Depleted Super Eagles beat Blue Sharks to stay top of Group C

The Super Eagles without some of their star players managed to win their second group match of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying series 2-1 against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde yesterday, in Mindelo.

Victor Osimhen’s strike and Kenny Rocha Santos’ own goal were enough as the three-time African Champions secured the victory to stay top of Group C.

The host had scored the first goal in the 19th minute after Dylan Dos Santos beat an offside trap to fire his left-footed shot past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye before Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to draw both teams level in the 29th minute as the first half ended 1-1.

On resumption, the fiercely contested encounter was heading for draw before the Super Eagles went in front when in a spectacular back pass to his goalkeeper, Kenny Santos scored an own goal as the ball floated above the goaltender and landed in the net.

Following this victory, Nigeria will shift their attention to next month’s double-header clash against the Central Africa Republic (CAR) with the aim of extending their dominance in the group.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa, who played for almost the entire duration of the match, has become the third player in the country’s history to make 100 appearances.

Former Super Eagles captains, Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama are both on 101 caps.

Musa will have the chance to draw level with his two compatriots, if he plays against the Central African Republic in October.

And in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Malmo’s Innocent Bonke and Bolgona’s Kingsley Michael had their debut appearances for the Super Eagles.