Quatar 2022:Iheanacho goals secures victory for wingless Super Eagles over Liberia

By EAGLE EYE NEWS24

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated the Lone Stars of Liberia 2-0 on Friday in a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier courtesy of a brace from Kelechi Iheanacho despite an abysmal display by the the African giant.

The England based striker scored twice in the first half to seal the win for German -born Gernot Rohr’s side at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Iheanacho put the Eagles ahead on 22 minutes with a sizzling drive from the edge of the penalty area following a short corner kick and quick interchange of passes between him and Alex Iwobi.

Iwobi was also the provider for Iheanacho’s second in the 45th minute of the game.

A long throw from the left by Jamilu Collins was met by a headed flick-on by Iwobi which fell onto the path of Iheanacho. The Leicester City forward still had a lot of work to do as he delightfully cushioned the dropping ball with his left foot before calmly slotting into the back of the net with his right foot to give the former African champions a comfortable lead heading into the break.

The second half did not pose much difference  like the first with the Super Eagles lacking cohesion and flair but dictating the pace of the game against a poorly assembled Liberian side.

The only consolation for the Super Eagles was the two  goals scored, as Nigeria got off to a good start in the World Cup qualifiers with a win in front of the dissatisfied Lagos fans.

The win put the Super Eagles top of Group C, and ahead of the duo of Cape Verde and Central Africa Republic who played out to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

The Eagles dominated most of the first half with their uncoordinated display against the lackluster  Lone Stars that lack depth in the second half, to take home all three points.

The game was played on a wet, slippery surface, due to torrential rainfall before the game in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous city.

More than 5,000 fans saw the game from inside the Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere, Lagos.