Eagles end of African Nations Cup qualification campaign with 3-1 win over Seychelles

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles have won their last 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier today beating the Pirates of Seychelles at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba by three goals to one ending the qualification series as group leaders.

In a very one-sided match, the Eagles were barely threatened but they failed to turn their domination into goals and even allowed the Pirates to breach their defence once. Nigeria opened the scoring in the 34th minute through an Odion Ighalo penalty after Wilfred Ndidi had been brought down in the box.

However, seven minutes later, Seychelles were gifted an equaliser following a howler by Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who made a mess of a bread and butter cross, allowing Rody Melanie to tap the ball into an empty net. Seychelles held on until half time, meaning that both teams went into the break on even terms.

Following the resumption of play, Henry Onyekuru restored Nigeria's lead in the fifth minute with a header after he connected with a cross from left fullback Jamil Collins. In the 85th minute, Ighalo gave way for Simon Moses, who sealed victory in the 90th minute with a well placed finish after another assist from Collins.

With this victory, the Eagles now have 13 points from six games and finish top of Group E ahead of South Africa, Libya and Seychelles. On Sunday, Libya will host South Africa to determine which other team will join Nigeria at Egypt 2019 in what will be a cliff-hanger as the South Africans have nine points and the Libyans seven.

Taking place in Sfax in Tunisia, the match is likely to be a cagey affair as the South Africans just need a point to qualify, while the Libyans need a win. Seychelles have been eliminated having ended up bottom of the group with just one point.

On Tuesday, the Eagles will play a friendly game against Egypt in Asaba in a match head coach Gernot Rohr will be hoping to use to correct many of the flaws that came to the fore in today's match. Despite their dominant possession, the Eagles appeared to lack a cutting edge and found it hard to break down the stubborn Seychelles defence

 

Line-up: 4-3-3:

Francis Uzoho

 

Shehu Abdullahi

Kenneth Omeruo

William Ekong

Jamiu Collins

 

Wilfred Ndidi

Oghene Etebo (Paul Onuachu)

Alex Iwobi (Semi Ajayi)

 

Henry Onyekuru

Odion Ighalo (Simon Moses)

Ahmed Musa

 

 

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