By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
THE Super Eagles of Nigeria went a step further in their quest to appear in next year’s FIFA World Cup, after they defeated the Panthers of Gabon 4-1 after extra time in the first semi-finals of the continental playoffs in Morocco, yesterday.
Eric Chelle, whose side narrowly missed automatic qualification, named a formidable starting XI, with new revelation, Akor Adams partnering Osimhen upfront. Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman and Iwobi also had a place, while impressive centreback Benjamin Fredricks was also among the starters, partnering Calvin Bassey in the heart of the Eagles’ defence.
The Eagles, probably still rusty having had only one training session after embarking on strike due to unpaid allowances and bonuses, struggled to create any clear-cut chance in the first half, with a tame Iwobi free-kick in the opening minutes, and other scrappy moments.
However, the game came to life in the second half. Akor Adams put the Eagles in front in the 78th minute, pouncing on a loose backpass from Gabonese defender Appindangoye. It was a harsh moment for Appindangoye, who felt he should have had a penalty call in his favour moments earlier, after Osayi-Samuel pulled him down in the Eagles’ box.
The excitement of the Eagles and their fans vanished from their faces eleven minutes later, as Mario Lemina’s strike from the edge of the box deflected off Osayi-Samuel to beat Nwabali to level the game.
Eagles decorated marksman, Victor Osimhen, had the chance to break Gabonese hearts in added time, but failed to find the back of the net with only the opposition goalkeeper to beat, to send the game into extra time.
Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke, scored his international goal after being played through on goal by captain, Wilfried Ndidi, just six minutes after the restart. Osimhen, who had a torrid game until that point, scored the first of his brace in the 102nd minute, sparking wild jubilations and a booking, before he put the icing on the cake with a well-taken angled shot in the 110th minute.
The goal marked his eighth goal in the World Cup qualifying series. The Eagles will face the winner of the second semifinal between Cameroon and DR Congo on Sunday.
