Daily Champion (Lagos)

Nigeria/Mozambique: Fifa 2010 World Cup Qualifier - Eagles Pip Black Mambas, 1-0

Nigeria on Sunday only just kept alive their dreams to feature in next year's World Cup finals after they pipped a resolute Mozambique 1-0 at a deserted Abuja National Stadium.

The match was in stoppage time and looked like Nigeria were crashing out of the World Cup qualifiers, before substitute Obinna Nsofor headed home from six yards after goalkeeper Joao Kapango had first kept out Obafemi Martins close-range shot, before the ball was hooked back into the box for Nsofor to head home.

Tunisia remain at the top of Group Two with 11 points after they beat kenya at home also by a lone goal, while Nigeria are second on nine points, meaning the last round of matches next month will now have to determine who qualifies for the World Cup.

Mozambique were resolute from start to finish to the utter frustration of the Nigerians, whose fans showed their disappointment for last month's 2-2 draw with Tunisia at the same venue by staying away from the stadium.

Under-fire Nigeria coach, Shaibu Amodu, made seven changes from the team that started last month's qualifier against Tunisia with Everton striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Elderson Echiejile from Rennes and Switzerland-based Yusuf Mohammed among the changes.

The game got off to a slow, cautious start as Nigeria went on the attack from the first whistle, while Mozambique tried to keep their shape in defence. After 10 minutes of action, there was very little to choose between the two teams.

Besides a 61st minute Obafemi Martins, which brushed against the crossbar, the Black Mambas kept their shape, stringing passes between themselves and even sometimes having the confidence to launch a few counter attacks, one of which forced enyeama to tip a dangerous shot for a corner.

A left-footed shot by Odemwingie in the 82nd minute was blocked by the impressive Mozambican goalkeeper. In the 87th minute, Martins failed to tap home from less than five yards to sum up a sad day for Nigerian football.

But in time added on, the prayer of millions of Nigerians was answered through Nsofor's last-gasp winner.


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Comments 1 to 1 of 1 Post a comment

  • hotboyy_wci
    Oct 13 2009, 23:33

    I think the super eagle team are sick,just like the president is sick,the entire nation also is sick,i mean noting is working again in this country,i pray and believe God would see help us,and our leaders should do things right....