Leadership (Abuja)
Asuelimen Osasuyi
15 November 2009
Abuja — In a dramatic twist, the Super Eagles of Nigeria routed the Harambee Stars of Kenya, 3-2, in their final qualifying match for the South Africa 2010 World Cup. The result has finally got the Super Eagles the 'badly' needed ticket to be at the World Cup, in June 2010.
Nigeria qualified from Group B after Mozambique beat Tunisia 1-0 to also book a place in the 2010 CAF Nations' Cup due for January 2010.
Kenya shot to the lead in the 15th minute after a blunder by Nigeria's defence marshaled by Joseph Yobo and Obinna Nwaneri.
Sometime into the second half, substitute Obafemi Martins pulled Nigeria level, while Yakubu Aiyegbeni put Nigeria ahead with a second, jabbing the ball into the post and beating a helpless Kenyan goalkeeper.
The Kenyans drew level in no time with their second goal in the 79th minute, when the No.11 jersey beat both Vincent Enyeama and his defence with a header.
It took the Super Eagles six minutes to go up again, after letting their guard down to let in a goal. Wolfsburg striker Obafemi Martins shot the ball over the Kenyan goalie after a goal-mouth scramble, getting the Super Eagles the much-awaited winner.
After Nigeria's second goal, however, the Kenyan fans angrily tossed in cans of water and beverages into the field of play, causing a momentary glitch in the game, before the referee called for the game to continue.
By this result, Nigeria qualified a top Group B with 12 points ahead of Tunisia, who have 11 points, having lost 0-1 to Mozambique in another decider in Maputo. Mozambique finished in third place with 7 points, making them good enough for a Nations' Cup berth, their first ever.
The Harambee stars of Kenya have failed, once again, to make it to the Nations' Cup.
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