The Super Eagles of Nigeria could not handle the Spanish armada, as the World Champions walloped them 3-0, with two goals from Jordi Alba and another from Fernando Torres on Sunday, setting up a semifinal showdown with Italy in the Confederations Cup.
However, the score line flattered the Spaniards, as they faced a tough test from a spirited Nigerian side which exposed the vulnerability of the top-rated side in the world, but was undone by their inability to convert their numerous chances.
Nigeria had needed to beat Spain by a difference of at least four goals, in order to be able to qualify, as Uruguay swept minnows Tahiti aside by 8-0.
Thursday’s match in Fortaleza will be a chance for Italy to get even for a humiliating 4-0 loss to Spain in last year’s European championship final.
“For us, Italy is a challenge in front of us as we try to get to the final,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. “I imagine for Italy it’s very important because the loss is fresh in their minds from the European final, and I am sure they are thinking of revenge.”
Alba, a left defender, scored in the third minute to set the wide-open tone for the match. The goal capped a series of one-touch passes, with Pedro backheeling a clever ball to Andres Iniesta, who found Alba, his low shot beating keeper Vincent Enyeama.
Torres scored with a header in the 62nd minute, and Alba picked up his second in the 88th.
Alba was voted man of the match for the first time.
“This is new for me,” he said. “This kind of award usually goes to the types who regularly score goals.”
For the African champions, they return to continue their World Cup qualifying campaign with a match at home against Malawi on the 6th of September. They currently sit atop Group F in the World Cup Qualifiers, Africa Section.
Hopefully, their key players, winger Victor Moses and striker Emmanuel Emenike will be back from injury, providing that needed bite in attack that eluded them for the most of the Confederations Cup.