Super Eagles on Friday kicked off their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note after thumping the Lone Star of Liberia 2-0 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos, a result that put the Nigerian side on top of the Group C after matchday-1, Completesports.com reports.
The match hero was Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho who scored the two goals in the 22nd and 44th minutes . He later made way for for captain Ahmed Musa in the 84th minute of the game.
The Liberians started the game full confidence attacking the Super Eagles defence.
Ola Aina attempted a shot from range in the 10 minute , but it went off off target.
Also Read – Live Blogging: Nigeria vs Liberia (World Cup Qualifier)
The Super Eagles nearly took the lead five minutes later, but Joe Aribo failed to hit target after he was set up by Alex Iwobi.
Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead on 22 minutes slotting home following an assist from Iwobi..
Victor Osimhen almost doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, but his shot failed to hit target.
Iheanacho scored his second of the game on the stroke of half time with Iwobi once again providing the assist.
The Super Eagles continued with the pressure after the break and Leon Balogun headed narrowly wide from Iheanacho ‘s inch-perfect corner-kick in the 49th minute.
Osimhen’s header from Moses Simon’s cross was saved by Liberia goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.
Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr made double substitutions in the 77th minute with Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu replacing Osimhen and Simon.
Captain Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi were also introduced in place of Iheanacho and Iwobi respectively.
Oghenekato Etebo also took the place of Aribo late on.
The Super Eagles will face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in their next game on Tuesday.
By James Agberebi at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos
The post 2022 WCQ: Iheanacho Nets Brace As Eagles Pip Liberia’s Lone Star, Top Group C appeared first on Complete Sports.
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