ABUJA (TVAFRINET) – Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane got trashed by Nigeria 3-1 yesterday in the Group D match, qualifying alongside Cameroon, Morocco, to the next stage berth in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), presently taking place in Cameroun.
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) says the qualification of Super Eagles to the next round of the tournament is seen as a unique victory because this is the first time the team is winning their opening two matches at an Africa Cup of Nation, consecutively.
The match which took place at Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroun – witnessed the first goal from Samuel Chukwueze in the third minute, then followed by Taiwo Awoniyi (45th), and Moses Simon (46th) – leaving Falcons of Jediane confused.
The Nigerian team went into the match prepared and took no chances. As the match began , the Nigerian side positioned itself to convert a good opportunity from Moses Simon, serving Chukwueze, who made way despite the stiff confrontation of the Sudanese defenders, yet found the back of the net, leaving Goalkeeper Ali Abdullah Abou in shock.
The Sudanese increase their momentum to remedied the Nigerian goal in the seventh minute, but failed to balance the score.
The Eagles failed to unsettle the Sudanese with another goal in the 35th minute, as well as in the 40th minute, as Joe Aribo miscalculated the opportunity that was right in front of him to humble the Falcons of Jediane further.
The first minute of the second half came handy for the Super Eagles as pressure mounted on the opponent’s 18th-yard box – which they couldn’t control – leading to another goal by Simon, making it 3-0.
Way into the second half, Ola Aina infringed on a Sudanese attacker which was at first unnoticed before the match was put on hold as the referee consulted through a VAR recall, awarding a penalty against Nigeria eventually, an opportunity Walieldin Khidir did not hesitate to convert into a goal, making the tally 3-1.
The Sudanese increased their effort but was curtailed my the Eagles as both side looked exhausted. Alex Iwobi came into the match to replace Chukwueze , later on, Kelechi Iheanacho was pulled out for Ahmed Musa , Joe Aribo was also replaced by Kelechi Nwakali.
The coach of the Super Eagle, Augustine Eguavoen said the players and the team in general was a work in progress and that he was satisfied by their conduct of the players so far.
“I am impressed with the way and manner that our players conducted themselves. We will go back and look for a way to improve on this performance.
“I commend the players and I also appreciate the support of all Nigerians. We will continue to do our best. We will savour this victory this moment before we plan for the last group match against Guinea Bissau,” Eguavoen.
