- It’s Nigeria 1-1 Cape Verde
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | PTS | Form | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 13 | D W W L W | |
| 2 |  |
6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 6 | +2 | 11 | D W W W L | |
| 3 |  |
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 6 | W L L L W | |
| 4 |  |
6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 4 | L L L W L |
It proved a nervy finish in Group C 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying series as three-time African champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles narrowly qualified for the play-off round in the African zone on Tuesday
In earning the play-off qualification spot, the Super Eagles struggled to a one-all draw against Cape Verde Islands inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. Osimhen’s early minute opening goal did enough for Nigeria to finish as Group C leaders with 13 points after six games.
As usual, Gernot Rohr was miserly in his team starting eleven, making a single change to the side that confronted Liberia on Saturday with Al Shabab striker Odion Ighalo taking the place of Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.
Though Nigeria made a promising start to the game by immediately drawing first blood through Osimhen’s strike in the first minute, the celebration was short-lived as the visitor cancelled out the goal just five minutes later.
With William Troost-Ekong conceding a corner-kick while trying to keep possession of the ball, the resultant corner was well converted by Stopira who easily beat the Watford defender to the ball to even proceedings in the sixth minute.
Despite conceding the goal, Nigeria did well to dominate proceedings in the first 45 minutes but clearly lacked the cutting edge to increase the tally.
Troost-Ekong was found guilty of another defensive blunder in the 23rd minute when trying to locate Awaziem with a pass, but fortunately for the hosts, the Blue Sharks failed to make anything out of the situation.
As the pressure mounted, Nigeria came close to regaining the lead in the 37th minute after a fine run from Iwobi, but Ighalo’s shot lacked the required power when he latched on to a pass from his colleague, Jamiu Collins’ short pass.
Two minutes later, Aribo had his chance with a well-placed left-footed shot but it was parried away by goalkeeper Vozinha and the resulting corner-kick was nearly converted by Osimhen.
The first half ended with drama after Cape Verde approached referee Mustapha Ghorbal to protest for a free kick but he had brought the game to a stop with their player on the ground.
With the second 45 minutes starting at a slow pace, both teams struggled to have a shot on target and this led to Cape Verde manager Bubista making double substitutions as Nuno Borges and Willy Semedo came on for Jamiro Monteiro and Jeffry Fortes respectively on the hour-mark.
The changes boosted the Blue Sharks as they gradually found their feet in the game. Eight minutes later, Moses Simon was stretchered off after a collision with a Cape Verde defender and he was replaced by Abdullahi Shehu.
Nigeria’s brightest chance after the restart came in the 71st minute when Osimhen tried to take advantage of a counter-attack but he was beaten to the ball by goalkeeper Vozinha who made a fine clearance.
As the minutes ran down, Coach Rohr made a double substitution with Iheanacho replacing Ighalo while Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka came on for a tiring Joe Aribo in the 78th minute.
Anxiety took over the Super Eagles’ bench as the visitors won back-to-back corner kicks in the final five minutes, but failed to beat the Nigeria defence.
In appreciation of his contribution in the match, Napoli star man, Osimhen received a standing ovation from fans at the Stadium when Genk’s Paul Onuachu replaced him in the 89th minute. His efforts were rewarded as the Man of the Match with a one million naira cheque.
Nigeria is now waiting to know their opponents in the play-off stage slated to commence after the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon. – With Goal.com reports
