Super Eagles avenge defeat in Lagos to regain control of group.
Three times African Champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Les Fauves of Central Africa Republic (CAR) 0-2 to avenge last week’s home loss in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Gernot Rohr, changed his tactics and opted for a more attacking starting XI and reverted to a three-man defence, introducing Chidozie Awaziem for Ola Aina with the team’s captain, Ahmed Musa, making his 100th appearance for the West Africans nation after making the XI ahead of Chidera Ejuke. Maduka Okoye was in post for Eagles replacing Uzoho.
The visitors with a very intentional spirit started the encounter on a bright note with more possession and as early as in the ninth minute, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho combined but the Napoli striker could not find the target with his effort.
The duo kept piling the pressure on their host while Musa and Moses Simon continued with their runs to split the opposition defence.
Leon Balogun opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a long throw was half-cleared by the CAR defenders before a cross was launched from deep by Awaziem for Leon Balogun to volley home a side-footed finish.
The CAR goalkeeper flapped at a Super Eagles free-kick before the ball was recycled and William Troost-Ekong squared the ball across the box for Osimhen to finish from close range just before the halftime. It was the 22-year-old’s 8th goal in only 16 national team appearances.
In the second half, Victor Osimhen got past the CAR goalkeeper with a chance to make it 3-0 for Nigeria, but his shot was cleared off the line by a Central African Republic defender.
The Super Eagles have remained unbeaten away from home in competitive fixtures since 2019, and remain on top of their group with nine points from four matches.
They will end their group stage campaign facing Liberia next on November 11 and Cape Verde Islands, three days later.
MOLATsportgist 