Late Guinea goal sinks Nigeria hopes

Nigeria became the latest marquee name to miss out on qualification for the 2012 CAF African Nations Cup today after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Guinea. Guinea finished top of Group B with 14 points from six matches, while Nigeria were second on 11 points. In the other match of the group, Ethiopia defeated bottom team Madagascar 4-2. Two-time champions Nigeria last failed to qualify for the Nations Cup in 1986 when they were eliminated by Zambia. Defending champions Egypt and four-time winners Cameroon have also failed to qualify for the African football showpiece to be staged in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in January. Nigeria suffered a massive setback ten minutes into the second half when Ismael Bangoura smashed home a rebound after a shot from distance came off the post. The Super Eagles drew level in the 64th minute when Russia-based striker Obinna Nsofor fired home from inside the box after he was set up by substitute Ahmed Musa. Nigeria then took the lead in the 71st minute when substitute Ikechukwu Uche shot home after he was set up by an Emmanuel Emenike header from inside the box. Guinea then got the result they needed five minutes into stoppage time when Traore Ibrahima sneaked in a low shot beyond goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba.