Super Eagles Tame Over Zealous Burundi In AFCON 2019 - Group B Opener


Odion Ighalo came off the bench to score a 77th minute goal that eventually gave Nigeria a slim 1-0 victory over a very zealous Burundian side in Africa Cup of Nations  (AFCON 2019) Group B opener on Saturday.

The match played in Africa' s second largest 86,000 capacity Alexander stadium, before a small crowd that included four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon, one of the tournament's ambassadors, saw a very thrilling and highly contested game.

Although, Super Eagles had more possession of the ball (66 / 34%), found it so difficult to penetrate a well-organised defensive network of AFCON first timers  - Burundi.  And it was the debutant that looked even more dangerous of the two sides, with six very impressing attempts on goal



The Swallows of Burundi showed no signs of inferiority or respect for the three times African champions, but took the game to the more fanciful Nigerian side...and was only unlucky not to break the deadlock during the first 45 minutes

Cedric Amissi brilliant 23rd minute strike unto a long weighted pass...and it took a brave parry from perfectly-positioned Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to prevent a classic close-range shot from finding the net.

 Amissi was not done yet, struck another long range  direct shot on the 31st minute, which Akpeyi had to parry off again. It was then looking like this Burundian team was so determined to draw the first blood and perhaps, sit back to defend it.

It took a brlliant twit on the game plan, by Nigeria's  German tactician, Gernot Rohr - took off veteran captain John Obi Mikel and introduced Ahmed Musa, hoping the pace of the attacking midfielder could unlock the Burundian tight defence. And also brought in Ighalo for Paul Onuachu to spice up the atttack - and it did pay-off.

With 3 points in the bag, Nigeria Move on to play their second game against Guinea on Wednesday June 26, and hopefully qualify for the Round of 16.

Nigeria Vs Guinea
Date: Wednesday  June 26
Time: 3 : 30pm

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