Lazio of Italy topman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came from the bench to clinch the needed maximum three points for Nigeria's Super Eagles who edged past stubborn Mediterranean Knights of Libya 1-0 in the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital
With the result, Nigeria sustain its lead in
Group D with 7 points ahead of Benin Republic (6), Rwanda (2) and Libya (1).
The Libyans had spent most of the game in their half defending until Dele-Bashiru, who replaced Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute, broke the deadlock in the 86th minute after connecting well with a low cross from Moses Simon.
The goal from the Lazio player ended the resilience of the North Africans who employed all kinds of tactics, including time-wasting to keep the Eagles at bay
Before that goal, the referee had ruled out a goal by Ademola Lookman for offside, a decision some fans at the stadium protested.
The Nigerian team dominated play from the first minute to the last in a game where goals were hard to come by.
The Interim Coach, Austin Eguavoen opted for a three-man attack led by Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen.
Simon replaced Samuel Chukwueze who started in the last two games for the Eagles in the starting line-up against the Libyans.
The Eagles will be guests of the Libyans in the return leg of the double header on Tuesday, 15th of October, 2024
A win for the Super Eagles in the encounter, will bring the qualification ticket in the group closer to Nigeria, ahead of AFCON
No comments:
Post a Comment