A 75th minute own goal by Kenny Santos earned Nigeria a 2-1 win in their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar qualifying clash against Cape Verde in Mindelo on Tuesday.
The result stabilises the Super Eagles’ at the top of Group C as they await a home-and-away fixture against Central African Republic next month.
Cape verde’s Dylan dos Santos had put the home team in front after 19 minutes, when he slipped behind the Eagles’ defense and slammed a shot past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
The three-time African champions responded with a series of attacks, with Chidera Ejuke forcing the opposing goalkeeper to a save in the 27th minute. And two minutes later, Victor Osimhen pulled Nigeria level, stabbing home from close range after a defensive blunder.
In the second half, Ahmed Musa attempt was easily saved as well as that of Henry Onyekuru in the 73rd minute as Nigeria continued to push for another goal. Two minutes later, in a spectacular backpass to his goalkeeper, Santos scored an own goal as the ball floated above the goaltender and landed in the net.
The goal sealed victory for Nigeria and gave them all three points on the night. It was an even better night for Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa who celebrated his 100th cap for Nigeria.
The victory took the Eagles to a maximum six points from two matches, three points ahead of second –placed Liberia, ahead of the Day 3 and 4 games scheduled for October.
Cape Verde and Central African Republic with a point each are third and fourth in the pool.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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