Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their 2022 AFCON qualifiers in style with an emphatic 3-0 win over the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Tuesday March 30th, 2021.
Two first-half goals from Victor Osimhen, Oghenekaro Etebo and an 83rd minute strike from in-form Paul Onuachu ensured Gernot Rohr’s side grabbed a deserved victory to finish at the top of Group L with 14 points.
The Heritage Times gathered five talking points from the match…
Super Eagles put on a show
In back-to-back AFCON fixtures, separated merely by two days, Gernot Rohr’s men have undoubtedly found a way to win.
Coach Gernot Rohr made a few changes to the team that started their 1-0 victory over the Republic of Benin at Stade Charles de Gaulle on Friday.
The German tactician handed starts to Francis Uzoho, Etebo and Tyronne Ebuehi, who did not feature against the Squirrels in Porto Novo.
While Alex Iwobi also returned to the starting XI after missing his side’s last outing as he tested positive for Covid-19, but was cleared to play against the Crocodiles by Caf after testing negative for the coronavirus.
The Super Eagles gave a good account of themselves; dominating the clash for the entire duration to earn their first win since returning to Lagos.
Brilliant Etebo
Etebo demonstrated why he’s a better fit in a two-man midfield than Aribo.
His tenacity in the middle of the park was reassuring and his ball-carrying took Nigeria upfield from time to time against the Crocodiles.
He doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 50th minute after pouncing on a loose ball and could have had another but his effort hit the crossbar.
Paul Onuachu Impresses again
Onuachu netted brilliantly to score his second Nigeria goal in a matter of days after Saturday’s dramatic header vs Benin.
The striker, who was first placed on standby by coach of the national team despite superb form for his Belgium club this campaign; netting a total of 27 goals, increased his tally by two more this season, to prove a point to the German tactician, who did not seem to trust his scoring ability.
Looking ahead
The Super Eagles have no doubt enjoyed a successful campaign, and Rohr deserves a pat in the back for a job well done.
Thus far, the former Bayern Munich star has qualified Nigeria for three separate tournaments – a World Cup and two AFCON finals since he took over at the helms in 2015.
With the World Cup qualifiers set to begin in few months, Nigerians will hope to see the Super Eagles stage another wonderful performance amid criticism that has trailed the team of late.
