2022 WCQ: Super Eagles edge Blue Sharks to stay top of Group C

The Super Eagles, without some of their star players on Tuesday, managed to win their second group match 2-1 against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture played in Mindelo. Victor Osimhen’s strike and Kenny Rocha Santos’ own goal were enough as the three-time African Champions secured […]

The Super Eagles, without some of their star players on Tuesday, managed to win their second group match 2-1 against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture played in Mindelo.

Victor Osimhen’s strike and Kenny Rocha Santos’ own goal were enough as the three-time African Champions secured the victory to stay top of Group C.

The host had scored the first goal in the 19th minute after Dylan Dos Santos beat an offside trap to fire his left-footed shot past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye before Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to draw both teams level in the 29th minute as the first half ended 1-1.

On resumption, the fiercely contested encounter was heading for a draw before the Super Eagles went in front when in a spectacular back pass to his goalkeeper, Kenny Santos scored an own goal as the ball floated above the goaltender and landed in the net.

Following this victory, Nigeria will shift their attention to next month’s double-header clash against the Central Africa Republic (CAR) with the aim of maintaining their firm grip on Group C of the 2022 World Cup qualifying series.

And in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Malmo’s Innocent Bonke and Bolgona’s Kingsley Michael were handed their debut appearances for the Super Eagles.