Nigeria’s Super Eagles got off to a fantastic start in their World Cup qualifier for Qatar 2022, thanks to a brace from in-form Leister City forward Kelechi Iheanacho in the first half.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reported that the star-studded Nigerian team defeated Liberia’s Lone Stars in a near-empty Teslim Balogun stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on Day 1 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier.
The game was settled in the first half of the one-sided match, with former youth international Iheanacho scoring in the 22nd and 44th minutes to put Nigeria ahead.
The Super Eagles slowed down the tempo of the game in the second half, with fewer shots on goal.
The second half, however, had the coach of the team make five changes with first double substitute Paul Onuachu coming in for Osimhen while Samuel Kalu came in for quiet Moses Simon.
Late into the game, both Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi made way for the Captain Ahmed Musa and right full back Shehu Abdullahi.
While late deep into the extra time, Joe Aribo was substituted for newly signed Watford midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo.
The two goal hero, Iheanacho was, however, awarded the Man of the Match to pocket the N1m prize money from one of the sponsors, 33 Export.
Iwobi who also put up a 5-star performance walked away with another cash prize of N1m courtesy Another NFF partner, GAC Motor for the Most Valuable Player for the match.
With the win the Super Eagles top the Group C of the Qatar 2022 qualifiers with three maximum points.
The Super Eagles are due to face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde on Tuesday Sept. 7, for the Day 2 World Cup elimination fixtures.