In a
highly entertaining encounter in Cape Town last night, Nigeria’s home-based
Eagles forged its way ahead to the quarterfinal of the ongoing CHAN 2014 tournament
as they won the host country, South Africa, 3-1.
Nigeria
had its first goal came through a beautifully delivered cross by Ifeanyi Ede neatly
slotted home by Ejike Uzoenyi for his first international goal for the national
team.
The
Eagles were, after the goal, in cruise control and the psychological advantage
they have always maintained against South Africa was clear enough that paved
way for the second goal within minutes.
Nigeria’s
Shehu Abdullai, in the 32nd minute, maneouvred a powerful shot sailed through
the South Africans’ defence and goalkeeper Moeneeb Joseph spilled the ball. He
tripped the advancing Gbolahan Salami inside the box in an attempt to win back
possession. The referee wasted no time to signal for a penalty in Nigeria’s
favour.
Ede, who
provided the assist for the opening goal, placed the ball on the penalty spot
and hit a low drive which goalkeeper Joseph parried into the net for Nigeria’s
second goal.
Nigeria’s
maintained control until the referee ended the first half.
Ejike
Uzoenyi scored Nigeria’s third goal in the 64th minute after a beautiful
interchange of passes with Gbolahan Salami on the edge of the hosts’ 18-yard
box before releasing a low shot which caught goalkeeper Joseph napping.
Nigeria’s
Solomon Kwambe was sent off in the 74th minute after his nasty challenge on a
South African midfielder. Two minutes later, the encounter was reduced to a 10
aside as South Africa’s Vuyo Mere also received the marching order.
South
Africa’s consolatory goal came via the penalty spot as Bernard Parker sent
Agbim the wrong way in the 81st minute.
Meanwhile,
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has
congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for qualifying for the next stage of
the ongoing African championship challenge in South Africa.
The
deputy speaker called on Nigerians to have faith in the Eagles as the team has
shown improvements in subsequent outings since it began the campaign for glory.
He
praised the handlers of the team for working hard to build confidence in the
players and tasked them not to relent in bringing out the best in them.
According
to the deputy speaker, “although we are not there yet, Nigerians are enjoined
to have faith in this team as they have advanced into the quarter final stage
of the championship.
“We all look forward to better performances from the
boys and hopefully they will do Nigeria proud in South Africa.“
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