The Super Eagles of Nigeria are now top of group C of the African round of the 2022 W/Cup Qualifiers after coming from a goal down to beat Cape Verde 2-1 in Mindelo, Cape Verde on Tuesday, September 7.
Victor Osimhen equalized after the Nigerian team conceded early to a goal from Dylan Tavares then an own goal from Cape Verde’s Kenny Rocha, secured the hard fought win for the Eagles.
Gernot Rohr started with Kenneth Omeruo, Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem, Innocent Bonke, Kingsley Michael and Chidera Ejuke as most of the Super Eagles players based in England had already traveled back to their clubs ahead of the premier league starting this weekend.
The first opportunity of the game came to Musa in the 6th minute from a Shehu Abdullahi low cross but he wasted the chance .
Cape Verde then took the lead on 18 minutes after Dylan Tavares got to a long cross before hitting a left-foot strike which beat young goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye at his near post.
In the 27th minute Ejike almost equalized but the home team keeper Vozinha punched the ba over the bar.
On the 30th minute, Osimhen pounced on a rebound, following a poor clearance by Kelvin Pires who directed Jamilu Collins’ cross toward goal.
In the second half, Musa in the 57th received a good cross from Osimhen but his shot failed to dislodge Cape Verde keeper.
67th minute action saw a long ball from Collins to Ejuke but the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
With 19 minutes left the Eagles made a tactical double change with Henry Onyekuru and Terem Moffi replacing Musa and Simon.
Onyekuru almost scored a minute later off a counter but his left strike was saved.
In the 76th minute, Kenny Rocha tried passing the ball to his keeper but the ball went over the line.
Vagner Diaz almost equalized for the host on 88 minutes after connecting with a diving header from a long cross but it was off target.
The game also saw Musa make his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, joining Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama to reach the figure.
With this second in, the Eagles now go six points and three points ahead of second placed Liberia.
