BY Remi Sulola
The Super Eagles recorded a resounding 3-0 victory over Seychelles on Saturday in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Due to the poor condition of the artificial pitch, both teams initially struggled to find their footing and rhythm at the Stade Linite.
Samuel Kalu caused the Pirates all sorts of problems with his trickery and pace. He forced the hosts to concede a corner in the 13th minute.
Two minutes later, Al Nassr striker Ahmed Musa put the Eagles in the lead when his effort went past goalkeeper Dave Mussard.
Four minutes after the half hour, Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho hit the post with a shot from free kick, but the rebound fell kindly to Chiedozie Awaziem, who coolly tucked the ball home.
The Nigerian team continued to dictate the tempo after the recess with their positive approach.
The Eagles were awarded a spot kick in the 55th minute but Mussard saved Musa’s effort with his legs. Kalu, advancing to convert the rebound, was fouled by Collins Esther in the box.
China-based striker Odion Ighalo stepped up and converted the resultant penalty kick.
Seychelles went close to reducing the tally late on in the game as Perry Monnaie beat goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to the ball, only to send it wide off the target.
The three-time African champions created more chances but poor marksmanship denied them more goals at the home stretch.
Seychelles XI: Dave Mussard, Jones Joubert, Bertrand Esther, Benoit Marie, Jude Nancy, Warren Mellie, Carl, Colin Esther, Darren Pamod, Nelson Laurence, Perry Monnaie
Subs: Jerome Dingwall, Elijah Tamboo, Gervais Waye-Hive, Kiren Sinon, Colyn Francourt, Juninho Mathiot, Colin Bibi
Nigeria XI: Francis Uzoho, Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, Brian Idowu, Ogenyi Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Samuel Kalu, Odion Ighalo
Subs: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, John Ogu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Simeon Nwankwo, Semi Ajayi, Joel Obi, Henry Onyekuru.
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