Balogun, Osimhen redeem Super Eagles’ image as Musa earns 100 caps
Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles defeat the Central African Republic 2-0 in yesterday’s return fixture of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Douala, Cameroon. After they suffered a 1-0 defeat in Lagos on Thursday, Gernot Rohr changed his tactics and opted for a more attacking starting XI with Ahmed Musa […]
The victorious Desert Warriors of University of Maiduguri celebrating after their victory over Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba in the finals of the 2021 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL)
Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles defeat the Central African Republic 2-0 in yesterday’s return fixture of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Douala, Cameroon.
After they suffered a 1-0 defeat in Lagos on Thursday, Gernot Rohr changed his tactics and opted for a more attacking starting XI with Ahmed Musa making his 100th appearance.
The visitors started Sunday’s encounter on a bright note with more possession and as early as the ninth minute, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho combined but the Napoli striker could not find the target with his effort.
The Super Eagles finally got their breakthrough in the 29th minute after Balogun slotted home a cross from Chidozie Awaziem. The strike was Balogun’s maiden goal in a Super Eagles shirt since he made his debut in March 2014.
Rohr’s men continued their dominance and shortly after Ngoma was booked for a challenge on Balogun, the visitors doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time with another defender William Troost-Ekong providing the assist for Osimhen to score his second goal in the World Cup qualifiers.
CAR’s brightest chance of the game came in the 58th minute when Karl Namnganda flashed his shot across the face of goal after beating Troost-Ekong.
Musa then came off for CSKA Moscow winger Chidera Ejuke in the 65th minute and later on, Nigeria made double substitutions in the 74th minute with Kenneth Omeruo replacing Balogun who limped off while Malmo midfielder Innocent Bonke came on for Iheanacho.
In the last 10 minutes of the game, Osimhen went down for medical treatment but he rose up again to complete the encounter as Nigeria grabbed their third win in Group C.
The Super Eagles remain on top with nine points after four matches, and they face Liberia for their next fixture on November 11 before concluding the group campaign against Cape Verde Islands, three days later.