By Akinwale Kasali
Super Eagles of Nigeria continued its 100 percent winning record at the on-going 2021 African Cup of Nations qualification series with a back to back victory against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
The Coach-Gernot Rohr tutored team defeated its host, the Crocodiles of Lesotho, 4-2, at the Setsosoto Stadium in Maseru, Lesotho Capital Sunday evening.
The hosts scored the opener as early as the 11th minute from a header by Blomefonteine Celtic Football Club striker, Mkoto Masekoto, to send the home crowd into wild jubilation.
The Super Eagles rallied round to get the deserved equaliser courtesy of Everton Football Club midfielder, Alex Iwobi, who received a-Victor Osimhen pass to restore parity for the visitors.
Few minutes later, Osimhen turned provider for Villarreal Football Club of Spain winger, Samuel Chukwueze, who latched on a cross from Osimhen to nod the ball over the on-coming Lesotho goalkeeper.
The first half ended with Nigeria taking the lead into the break.
On resumption of the second half, the Super Eagles resumed from where they ended, and continued to pressurise the Lesotho team, with Osimhen forcing several saves from the Lesotho goalkeeper and, also, hitting the frame of the post.
The persistency of Osimhen paid off as he scored a brace in the final 15 minutes to give his country a 4-1 lead.
At the other end of the Super Eagles half, Chidozie Awaziem mistakenly diverted a Lesotho cross into his own net to give the host their second goal of the match.
The match ended 4-2, with Nigeria topping the log with Six points from its first two matches.
Rohr started the game with Daniel Akpeyi still remaining in goal, William Troost Ekong, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina in the defence line.
Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Wilfried Ndidi were the heart of the team’s midfield, with Lille Metropole Football Club of France Striker, Victor Osimhen, leading the attack.
The next round of actions for the Qualifiers comes up in March 2020, with a double header against Sierra Leone.
