Guinea led at the National Stadium in Abuja through Ismael Bangoura’s goal, meaning the Super Eagles needed to score three to ovartake the Guineans at the top of the group on goal difference and earn an automatic place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year.

Victor Obinna and Ikechukwu Uche hit back to put Nigeria ahead but Ibrahima Diallo’s late equalizer confirmed Guinea’s place.

Nigeria cannot qualify as one of the two best second-placed teams as Sudan and Libya already have better records.