17th November, 2015
Taiwo Adelu
Swaziland’s all home-based team made Nigeria’s Super Eagles work very hard for a 2-0 victory in the second-leg second round fixture of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Tuesday evening.
A curled free kick by Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon, who plays as forward for Belgian Pro League club KAA Gent in the 51st minute and another strike from Efetobore “Efe” Ambrose Emuobo, who plies his trade for Scottish side, Celtic gave Nigeria a comfortable win at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium.
The victory ensures that Nigeria berth in the third and last round of African qualifiers for Russia 2018 World Cup, while the two goals earned Simon and Ambrose the sum of 20,000 dollars each as promised for each goal scored by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
The match began with Nigeria attacking their opponent and patiently passing the ball around, keeping the Swaziland inside their half but the Eagles were unable to find a way through the sea of Swaziland players at the back.
Odion Ighalo of England’s Watford FC missed a hand full of scoring chances in the first half, as it ended 0-0.
Nigerian resume the second half with renewed vigour keeping the visitors to their goal area. Sylvester Igbonu failed to finish in the 48th minute after a short pass from Ighalo in the six yard box of Swaziland. He was however fouled in the 50th minute which resulted in the free kick that was scored by Simon in the 51st minute of play.
The goal broke down a half-hearted Swaziland attack, allowing Nigeria to break away on a blisteringly quick counter attack.
Coach Sunday Oliseh brought in Seattle Sounders’ Obafemi Martins to replace Ahmed Musa in the 74th minute and thereafter Ezekiel Bassey won a freekick for Nigeria as Dlamini of Swaziland got a caution for the rough challenge.
Ambrose doubled Nigeria’s lead after converting Igbonu’s free kick in the 88th minute to end the encounter in favour of the host.
Meanwhile, former coach of the Eagles, Daniel Amokachi has warned that the Nigerian team must raise their game in the future as they cannnot withstand pressure from a more experienced team. He said the Eagles did not play a spectacular game against the Swazi, but was happy that the team survive the scare and qualified for the next round.