Ben Memuletiwon
Nigeria’s Super Eagles rekindled Nigerians’ AFCON 2019 hope Saturday in faraway Victoria, Seychelles, beating their hosts, the Pirates 3-0 on Match Day 2.
The Eagles had lost their first match in the qualifiers 2-0 at home, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, last year to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa who were also shocked at home by visiting Libya. The sparkling Libyans churned out a comfortable goalless draw to keep their leadership of the group.
It took the Nigerians 15 minutes to express their determination not to miss out of the continental championship for the second time consecutively as Ahmed Musa superbly tucked in the first goal with a perfect strike. The other goals came from Chidozie Awaziem in the first half and a second half goal from Odion Ighalo who converted a penalty after Samuel Kalu was hacked down in the box by a defender.
Kalu, one of the new players on parade in the Gernot Rohr’s squad was outstanding as he put up a very good performance though he failed to score while Turkey-based Onyekuru and Semiu Ajayi also had a taste of action in the second half.
Even in the euphoria, the Eagles have to maintain the tempo when they take on Libya at home later in the year even though the result in Victoria brightened Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the Nations Cup holding in Cameroon next year.
Libya remains on top of the group with four points just as South Africa , while Nigeria are
third with three points.
Eagles would next month host Libya at a yet to be confirmed venue, while Seychelles tackles South Africa.