By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2021 African Cup of Nations qualification campaign on a good note with a 2-1 win over the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The visitors started on a bright note with Stephen Sessagnon scoring the opener in the third minute to send the visiting team into ecstasy and wild jubilation.
Jean Dussuyee, coach of the Beninoise team was full of confidence as the away team piled more pressure on the Super Eagles defense to double the lead, but the Super Eagles defenders remained resilient.
Lille Metropole Football Club striker, Victor Osimhen, gave Nigerians a deserved equaliser from the penalty spot with few seconds left for the center referee to signal the end of the first half.
The Coach-Gernot Rohr side continued from where they stopped in the first half, attacking from all corners to get a goal
Their consistency in the attack paid off in the 64th minute as Girondins Bordeaux midfielder, Samuel Kalu, scored a brilliant goal to give Nigeria the lead.
The scoreline remained at 2-1 throughout the game, giving the Super Eagles its first three points in the campaign.
Surprisingly, Rohr started Daniel Akpeyi in goal for the match, with Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, William Troost Ekong, Jamilu Collins and Abdullahi Shehu all started in the defense.
Wilfried Ndidi, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Samuel Kalu marshalled the midfield with Osimhen playing as a lone striker up-front.
In the other match in the group, Sierra Leone and Lesotho played a 1-1 draw in Freetown, giving Nigeria the edge in topping the group.
The Super Eagles are billed to jet out of the country to Maseru, Lesotho Capital for the second match in the qualification campaign on Sunday 17th November, 2019.
