Goals from Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen were enough to secure a 2-0 for the Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Central African Republic (CAR), at the Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon.
The Super Eagles bounced back from its 1-0 defeat in Lagos to claim three (3) valuable points against a resilient CAR side.
Victory in Douala on Sunday saw Gernot Rohr’s men take a massive step towards qualification for the knockout and final phase of qualification for Qatar 2022. Nigeria now leads the group with nine points from four games after an inspiring performance from Gernot Rohr’s men.
Match Preview
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on the Wild Beasts of Central African Republic on Sunday in the return fixture of their two legged tie at the Stade de Japoma in Douala, Cameroon.
CAR beat Nigeria 1-0 in the first leg at the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos and the Super Eagles will be looking for revenge against the Wild Beasts in the second encounter. Nigeria will be looking to earn a seventh FIFA World Cup finals appearance as they battle the Wild Beasts of CAR in Douala.
Coach Gernot Rohr hinted he will be making minimal changes to his team as he does not think Thursday’s loss was due to bad selection.
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Super Eagles coach Rohr named a strong starting line-up for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against CAR with Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen up front in attack.
Ahmed Musa, who is making is 100th appearance for Nigeria starts on the right flank with Moses Simon on the left flank, while Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka will look to control play from midfield.Jamilu Collins, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun make up the defensive back-four, while Maduka Okoyo starts in goal.
The Super Eagles have not lost two consecutive World Cup Qualifiers since October 1981 (Opta) and will be looking to take all three points against CAR.
Central African Republic starting line-up
Prince SAMOLAH; Saint-Cyr NGAM, Flory Jean Michel Yangao, Freeman Niamathé, Sadack Ndobé, Peter Guinari; Tresór Toropité, Georgino M’Vondo Ze, Jospin Gaopandia, Thibault Ban; Axel Urie.
KICK OFF!!
2′ Nigeria gets a dangerous free kick as Osimhen is fouled on the edge of the area.
3′ Iheanacho fires the shot wide from the free-kick.
9′ Nigeria has the ball, but is unable to reach the goal with danger.
13′ Foul by Aribo on Axel Urie.
22′ Yellow card for CAR’s Freeman Niamathe after a rough tackle on Ahmed Musa.
24′ Another yellow card for CAR as Jospin Gaopandia is booked after a dangerous tackle on Frank Onyeka.
27‘ Nigeria presses again in the opponent’s field, but they can’t shoot clearly.
30′ GOAL!!!!! LEON BALOGUN SCORES FOR NIGERIA!!!
34‘ Musa’s shot into the goalkeeper’s hands.
35′ CAR substitution: Isaac Ngoma comes on for Georgino M’Vondo Ze.
38′ Iheanacho’s long-range shot goes wide of the mark.
41′ Deflected header by Chidozie Awaziem.
45′ Yellow card for Isaac Ngoma for a foul on Balogun. The Central African Republic players have been very physical in the game. Another free-kick for Nigeria.
45 +1′ ANOTHER GOAL FOR NIGERIA!!! ITS VICTOR OSIMHEN!!! Osimhen makes it 2-0 just before halftime, putting Nigeria in a commanding position.
HALFTIME: Central African Republic 0-2 Nigeria.
The Super Eagles looked to have regained its confidence after a dominating display against Central African Republic in the first half. Rohr’s men would avoid being complacent in the second half to claim all three points in the encounter.
SECOND HALF
53′ Yellow card for Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka for a foul.
54′ Double substitution for CAR as Sidney Dambakizi and Karl Namnganda replace Axel Urie and Thibault Ban.
57′ Osimhen misses a chance to extend the lead for Nigeria.
64′ Nigeria dominating possession as they remain in the opponent’s half.
67′ Substitution for Nigeria as Chidera Ejuke replaces Ahmed Musa.
74′ Another substitution for Nigeria as Kenneth Omeruo replaces Leon Balogun who appears to be struggling with an injury.
76′ Bonke Innocent replaces Kelechi Iheanacho as Rohr attempts to lock the game up.
78′ Ejuke’s shot was blocked twice by the CAR goalkeeper.
79′ CAR substitution as Henock Kpeko Damona replaces Jospin Gaopandia.
86′ Ejuke keeps impressing as his pass finds Osimhen, but the Napoli striker fires wide.
90+2’ Nigeria almost extends its lead through some brilliant work by substitute Ejuke, but his effort is kept out by the CAR goalkeeper.
90+4′ The referee blows the final whistle as Nigeria claims a crucial 2-0 away victory against Central African Republic.
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