By Kehinde Okeowo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria began its campaign for a place in World Cup in Qatar in 2022 on a winning note. Placed in a group that consists of Cape Verde, Liberia and the Central African Republic, Nigeria is the clear favourite to win the group.
In a game that was played against West African neighbour, Liberia, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, it ended 2-0 in favour of the host.
The came started with Nigeria dominating proceeding with more ball possessions and shots on goal and were duly rewarded on the 22nd minute, when Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho puts Nigeria ahead.
The game continued in the same fashion, with the Liberians defending frantically to ensure the Nigerians do not score more goals. Their resistance was, however, broken once again by the inspired Iheanacho, who scored the second goal in the 44th minute and the first half ended 2-0 in favour of Nigeria.
The second half resumed with the Nigerian team still on top but were unable to add another goal in the second half despite having 60 per cent of the ball possessions and a total of 12 shots on and off-target.
The win takes Nigeria to the top of the group with 3 points and 2 goal differences.
The other encounter in the group between Cape Verde and the Central African Republic, which was played on Wednesday, ended 1-1 with the two countries sitting in the second and third position with a point each respectively. Liberia is at the bottom of the group with no point.
Nigeria will play the next game away to Cape Verde on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, and will be expected to gain maximum points to maintain its grip on the group. While Liberia will host the Central African Republic in their second match.