Mike is Oba the moon at Aviva
MICHAEL OBAFEMI stole the show with two pieces of world-class magic as he made himself an instant Irish hero.
On his full international debut, the Swansea City striker showed sublime vision and execution to tee up his strike partner Troy Parrott.
He then sent the Aviva Stadium wild with a contender for the best goal scored at this venue since it was redeveloped in 2010.
Obafemi’s swivel on the half-turn and piledriver shot from 25 yards flew straight down the throat of Scotland’s Craig Gordon before he had enough time to know what happened.
That third goal, six minutes into the second half, made sure Ireland got their first points of this Nations League campaign.
“I’m happy to announce myself in front of the fans,” said Obafemi.
“I feel like sometimes I don’t take enough shots and today I thought I’d give it a go.”
While Ireland impressed, the hapless Scots were booed off by their own travelling fans.
John McGinn missed a good chance for them early on but they never recovered after Alan Browne headed Ireland in front from a 20th-minute corner.
Obafemi created the second in superb fashion.
The Swansea man did a Cruyff turn and a stepover before his deft dink allowed Parrott to head beyond Craig Gordon.
Obafemi then rifled home his stunner before limping off.
But Ireland were able to settle into a solid defensive shape and the Scottish fightback never materialised.
Elsewhere in Group B1, Everton full-back Vitaliy Mykolenko netted late on as Ukraine beat Armenia 3-0 in Lodz, Poland, to top the standings.