An outstanding performance by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula coupled with a wasteful Super Eagles attack ensured a low scoreline in the formality Africa Nations Cup qualifier between hosts Nigeria and visiting Taifa Stars in Uyo yesterday. The Super Eagles, under new coach Gernot Rohr, created a rash of chances in the first 45 minutes but somehow they could not make any of them count at an arena they were yet to win until yesterday.
Manchester City whizkid, Kelechi Iheanacho broke the ice 15 minutes after team captain, John Obi Mikel was pulled out for Wilfred Ndidi in the 63rd minute with a powerful long range left footer from outside the box.
The goal sent the fans at the Godswill Akpabio stadium into a frenzy after the trio of Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, who took the captain’s band after with the exit of Mikel, failed to hit target despite the begging chances that came their way. In one of the many forays of the Eagles in the 12th minute, Mikel released Ahmed Musa, but the Leicester City star failed to tuck away the opening while on 24 minutes, Tanzania shot stopper Manula denied Iheanacho, before Moses fluffed another chance two minutes later.
After Iheanacho’s goal, the Eagles pressed for another goal with Musa Mohammed wining a corner in the 86th minute but it couldn’t be converted. Leon Balogun was booked in the second minute of the added time and a minute later the referee sounded the final whistle for the Eagles to earn maximum points and finish the campaign with 5 points.
Manchester City whizkid, Kelechi Iheanacho broke the ice 15 minutes after team captain, John Obi Mikel was pulled out for Wilfred Ndidi in the 63rd minute with a powerful long range left footer from outside the box.
The goal sent the fans at the Godswill Akpabio stadium into a frenzy after the trio of Victor Moses, Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, who took the captain’s band after with the exit of Mikel, failed to hit target despite the begging chances that came their way. In one of the many forays of the Eagles in the 12th minute, Mikel released Ahmed Musa, but the Leicester City star failed to tuck away the opening while on 24 minutes, Tanzania shot stopper Manula denied Iheanacho, before Moses fluffed another chance two minutes later.
After Iheanacho’s goal, the Eagles pressed for another goal with Musa Mohammed wining a corner in the 86th minute but it couldn’t be converted. Leon Balogun was booked in the second minute of the added time and a minute later the referee sounded the final whistle for the Eagles to earn maximum points and finish the campaign with 5 points.
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