Super Eagles Redeem Image, Pip Central African Republic 0 - 2 in A World Cup Qualifier in Douala

 

The Super Eagles revived their hopes of securing a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar following a 0-2 win against the Wild Beasts of Central African Republic at the Stade Omnisport in Japoma, Douala on Sunday. 

Leon Balogun and Victor Osimhen scored both goals for the West Africans in the first half.

Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr switched formation following his side’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Raoul Savoy’s men on Thursday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Rohr, who opted for 3-5-2 formation restored Maduka Okoye in goal with Alanyaspor defender Chidozie Awaziem joining Balogun and William Troost-Ekong in central defence.

Moses Simon and Jamilu Collins were deployed as wing-backs, while Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka and Kelechi Iheanacho kept their place in midfield.

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, who was making his 100th appearance for the three-time African champions, paired Napoli forward Osimhen in attack.

The Super Eagles dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded for their impressive display when Balogun slotted home a minute before the half hour mark.

The hosts struggled to get going in the game as the Super Eagles asserted their authority afterwards.

Iheanacho shot wide from the edge of the box in the 38th minute as the Super Eagles looked for the second goal.

The goal came late in the first half courtesy of Osimhen’s fine strike in the 44th minute.

The 22-year-old has now scored eight goals in 16 league appearances for the three-time African champions.

The pattern of play continued after the break with the Super Eagles in total ascendancy.

Onyeka was booked for a rash challenge in the 57th minute. Osimhen has an effort cleared off the line in the 57th minute after he was set up by Aribo.

A sloppy display by the Nigerian defence allowed Karl Namnganda a sniff at goal a minute later but the striker shot wide.

Nigeria made their first substitution of the game in 67th minute with Chidera Ejuke replacing Musa.

Balogun was replaced by Kenneth Omeruo in the 73rd minute with Innocent Bonke also taking the place of Iheanacho.

Osimhen fluffed a chance three minutes from time following a superb pass from Ejuke.

Super Eagles maintained top spot in Group C with nine points from four games and may have redeemed Nigeria image as the favorite to qualify from the group. 

The Super Eagles will face Liberia in their next game against on Liberia Thursday, November 11 in Accra.