1st June, 2011
Nigeria’s Super Eagles this evening humiliated Argentina 4-1 in an international friendly match played at the Abuja National stadium.
The visiting South Americans, led by coach Sergioa Batista had boasted they would beat Nigeria because of their previous domination on the Eagles in international football competitions.
But, the story changed today as the coach Samson Siasia squad netted three first half goals through a brace from Zaragoza of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche,
while Obinna Nsofor scored from the spot.
Ikechukwu, who emerged as the Man of the match, opened scoring in the 8th minute from a pullout by newly signed AC Milan defender, Taiye Taiwo.
Argentina skipper Pablo Zabaleta and his La Albiceleste, who earlier took the game to their hosts, conceded a penalty in the 24th minute when Everton’s Victor Anichebe was brought down in the box by Federico Facio of Sevilla of Spain.
Nsofor did not waste the chance as he ballooned the ball beyond Independiente goalkeeper, Adrian Gabbarini.
In the 32nd minute, Anichebe was close to scoring after beating defender Facio, but the Argentine keeper stopped his shot.
It was a day that Taiwo was on fire as his 40th minute pullout found Ikechukwu’s head to seal a perfect first half lead for Nigeria.
Emmanuel Emenike, a 45th minute substitute for Anichebe, put an icing on the cake for the Eagles when he brilliantly volleyed home the fourth goal over keeper Gabbarini, who left his area due to pressure from the Nigerian players.
Ahmed Musa came in for Kalu, while goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba replaced number one goalie, Enyeama.
However, Boselli Mauro scored a penalty goal for Argentina in the last minute to console his team as an electrifying evening ended 4-1 in favour of Nigeria.
By Tunde Oyedele, Abuja