Qatar 2022: Super Eagles Redeem Image, Defeat CAR In Reverse Fixture

By Akinwale Kasali

First half goals from Rangers Football Club of Scotland defender, Leon Balogun, and Napoli Football Club of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen, gave the Super Eagles of Nigeria a 2-0 Victory over Central African Republic in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Omnisport International Stadium in Limbe, Cameroon.

The victory salvaged three points for the National team to grab nine points from four matches to remain top of the Group C table.

Coach Gernot Rohr had come under strong criticism for the shambolic display against Central African Republic at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria, where the 2013 African Cup of Nations champion lost 1-0 to the lowly rated CAR team, leading to calls for his sack from a large section of ex-internationals, soccer enthusiasts, fans and soccer analysts.

Rohr made some changes in the team that played the first leg in Lagos, with Maduka Okoye returning to the goal post, with Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem and Jamilu Collins in the heart of the defense.

Chidera Ejuke, Joe Aribo, Moses Simeon and Ahmed Musa were paraded in midfield, with Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho leading the attack.

Knowing that a win is the only option to redeem itself among its teeming fans back home, the Super Eagles started the match like a house on fire, firing from all cylinders before recording its first goal in the 36th minute courtesy of Balogun, before Osimhen added a second late to stoppage time of the first half.

Going into the final round of matches for the first phase of the qualification series, Nigeria will, on November 11th and 14th, play the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in Lagos, Nigeria and Liberia in Accra, Ghana. The Super Eagles lead the table with nine points.

Regardless of the outcome of the match between Cape Verde and Liberia in Mindelo, the Super Eagles has Nine Points and needs just a win against Cape Verde in the reverse fixture to move to the next round.