The Super Eagles Friday extended their Group B lead in match-day three of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier by defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Changchun Yatai FC striker, Odion Ighalo opened scoring for Nigeria 29 minutes into the game. Team captain Mikel Obi doubled the lead in the 44th minute. Chelsea star, Victor Moses made it 3-0 from Moses Simon’s assist in the 55th minute, while Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, completed the rout as the game ended 4-0 at full time.
The fear of the Cameroonians for the trio, Ighalo, Mikel, and Moses, who recently rejoined the team finally came to reality as they turned out to be the spoilers against the reigning African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions in the crucial home win. Iheanacho has now scored in seven of his last eight games for Nigeria.
Also in the game, Super Eagles Team B captain and FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who came in as last minute replacement for injured Daniel Akpeyi, also gave a good account of himself in the game as he maintained a clean sheet against all odds.
Nigeria still maintained their maximum nine points from three games in the qualifiers having defeated Zambia, Algeria, and now Cameroon. The team is expected to immediately jet out for the second leg cracker against Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Monday, 4 September in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
On hispart, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, describing it as a befitting Sallah gift to Nigerians.
Ekweremadu, who expressed satisfaction with the performance of the national team in all departments of the game, commended the Eagles for their determination, skills, and team spirit.
Buhari said he was joining millions of football-loving Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora in applauding the team for their victorious outing over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
President Buhari noted that with the exhilarating victory, “Nigeria is on the verge of qualification for the World Cup in Russia 2018.”
He called on the players to sustain the momentum as they approach the crucial second leg of the tie in Yaounde on Monday.