The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday made good their promise and kept hopes alive in a securing a place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup by defeating Swaziland 2-0 in Port Harcourt.
It was the second leg of the knock out duel between the two countries, after the first leg had ended in a goalless draw in Swaziland on Friday.
The Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, made three changes to the team that drew 0-0 in Swaziland. Sunshine stars’ Paul Onobi replaced Mikel Obi; Sharks’ Chima Akas came in for Elderson Echiejile and Austin Oboroakpo from Abia Warriors replaced Godfrey Oboabona.
The first half ended goalless with pressure mounting among the fans at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium but Moses Simon’s well taken free-kick in the 51st minute gave Nigeria the lead and calmed the nerves.
In the 75th minute, Obafemi Martins came in for captain Ahmed Musa and Ogenyi Onazi took the captain’s band as Nigeria went in search of more goals.
The Eagles’s improved attacking play eventually paid off but not from the expected source. Defender Efe Ambrose made it 2-0 for Nigeria in the 87th minute to send the Port Harcourt fans into jubilation.
Asides throwing open the gates of the stadium to encourage fans to fill the venue and cheer the Nigeria team to victory, the Eagles were also boosted by the Rivers State Government’s $20,000 per goal promise.
With the victory, Nigeria has now qualified for the group stage of the African qualifiers along with 19 other countries, who will be drawn into five groups.
The five group winners will represent Africa in Russia 2018.