The Super Eagles of Nigeria finished their 2019 AFCON qualifiers on a high note as they defeated the Pirates of Seychelles 3-1 on Friday evening at the Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba.
The 3 times African champions who have already booked their passage to the (traditionally) biannual Africa's football showpiece going in to the dead rubber game left no stone unturned as Gernot Rorh fielded a strong starting XI against the weeping team of the group.
Francis Uzoho was given a nod ahead of Ezenwa in the goalpost, the duo of William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo were the preferred centre back pairing with Shehu Abdullahi and Jamilu Colins completing the back four. Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa marshalling the midfield and the flanks while Odion Ighalo spearhead the attack.
The early exchange was a turpsy turvy as both teams tried to exert their tactical superiority and composure. As the match wore on further the intensity of the game changed and Super Eagles completely took firm of possession, menacing Seychelles defense with grith and width. Despite enjoying the greater percentage of the ball possession, the home team had to endure a resilient half-hour display by the Pirates before the deadlock was broken. Ndidi was adjudged to have been brought down in the box by Jude Nancy as the ref didn't hesitate to point to the spot kick. The resultant penalty was calmly slotted home by Odion Ighalo as he send the goalkeeper to the wrong side of the net. His seventh goal in the qualifying series for the else-while Udinese striker. Uzoho made a blunder as he misjudged his timing and steps when attempting to clear a freekick which resulted in bringing back Seychelles to the level terms as Rodi Melanie slotted in from close range, their second goal in the qualifying series.
The 2nd half was all about Super Eagles as they push tenaciously to regain the lead. The relentless efforts paid off in the 50 minutes as Henry Onyekuru meticulous nods the ball into the net in-between couple of Seychelles' defenders. The Galataxary of Turkey hitman has been in scintillating form lately, scoring 5 goals in 5 matches for his club.
Moses Simon put icing on the cake in the 90mins with a deft touches and individual brilliance before putting the ball pass the Seychelles goalkeeper to make it 3-1. The win assured Nigeria of finishing top of the group with unassailable 13 points, winning 4, drawing 1 and Losing 1. The other ticket in the group will be decided on Saturday when Libya will be locking horn with South Africa. The Bafana Bafana are poise to clinch the second available ticket provided they avoid defeat in Tunisia, Libya's adopted home ground due to insecurity and insurgency in Mediterranean Sea coast.
Super Eagles starting line up:
Francis Uzoho, Jamilu Collin, Sheu Abdullah, Kenneth omeruho, Troos Ekong, Ogenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo
The 3 times African champions who have already booked their passage to the (traditionally) biannual Africa's football showpiece going in to the dead rubber game left no stone unturned as Gernot Rorh fielded a strong starting XI against the weeping team of the group.
Francis Uzoho was given a nod ahead of Ezenwa in the goalpost, the duo of William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo were the preferred centre back pairing with Shehu Abdullahi and Jamilu Colins completing the back four. Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Henry Onyekuru, Ahmed Musa marshalling the midfield and the flanks while Odion Ighalo spearhead the attack.
The early exchange was a turpsy turvy as both teams tried to exert their tactical superiority and composure. As the match wore on further the intensity of the game changed and Super Eagles completely took firm of possession, menacing Seychelles defense with grith and width. Despite enjoying the greater percentage of the ball possession, the home team had to endure a resilient half-hour display by the Pirates before the deadlock was broken. Ndidi was adjudged to have been brought down in the box by Jude Nancy as the ref didn't hesitate to point to the spot kick. The resultant penalty was calmly slotted home by Odion Ighalo as he send the goalkeeper to the wrong side of the net. His seventh goal in the qualifying series for the else-while Udinese striker. Uzoho made a blunder as he misjudged his timing and steps when attempting to clear a freekick which resulted in bringing back Seychelles to the level terms as Rodi Melanie slotted in from close range, their second goal in the qualifying series.
The 2nd half was all about Super Eagles as they push tenaciously to regain the lead. The relentless efforts paid off in the 50 minutes as Henry Onyekuru meticulous nods the ball into the net in-between couple of Seychelles' defenders. The Galataxary of Turkey hitman has been in scintillating form lately, scoring 5 goals in 5 matches for his club.
Moses Simon put icing on the cake in the 90mins with a deft touches and individual brilliance before putting the ball pass the Seychelles goalkeeper to make it 3-1. The win assured Nigeria of finishing top of the group with unassailable 13 points, winning 4, drawing 1 and Losing 1. The other ticket in the group will be decided on Saturday when Libya will be locking horn with South Africa. The Bafana Bafana are poise to clinch the second available ticket provided they avoid defeat in Tunisia, Libya's adopted home ground due to insecurity and insurgency in Mediterranean Sea coast.
Super Eagles starting line up:
Francis Uzoho, Jamilu Collin, Sheu Abdullah, Kenneth omeruho, Troos Ekong, Ogenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo
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