Obafemi simply overjoyed by a dazzling debut
MICHAEL OBAFEMI stole the show with two pieces of magic as he made himself an instant hero with Ireland fans.
On his full debut, the Swansea striker showed sublime vision and execution to tee up his strike partner Troy Parrott before sending the Aviva Stadium wild with a contender for the best goal scored at this venue since it was redeveloped in 2010.
Obafemi’s swivel and piledriver shot from at least 25 yards flew past Scotland’s Craig Gordon.
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,” Obafemi (right) beamed.
“I just opened up and thought, ‘Hit it’. I feel sometimes I don’t take enough shots and I thought I’d give it a go.
“It was a big game for us. I wouldn’t say there was pressure.
“We know we let ourselves down before and we’re looking forward to Tuesday now against Ukraine.”
Ireland scored twice inside half an hour against a hapless Scotland side who were booed off by 2,500 travelling fans.
But they had a big chance in the 13th minute, when Shane Duffy’s pass out from the back was easily cut out but John Mcginn struck a tame side-footed effort into the welcoming hands of Caoimhín Kelleher.
Duffy made amends when he headed a 20th-minute corner across goal for Alan Browne to bundle over the line.
The second goal came just 60 seconds after Mcginn failed to hit the target with the goal gaping after a mistake by Duffy.
Obafemi produced a Cruyff turn, a stepover and a deft dink over the top for the onrushing Parrott to head beyond Gordon.
Then in the 51st minute, Obafemi rifled home from distance before limping off soon after.
Ireland were then able to settle into a solid defensive shape and the expected Scottish fightback never materialised.
Ireland had scored only two goals in their first 12 Nations League games over three campaigns.
Ukraine had earlier beaten Armenia by the same score and stand three points clear of the other three teams in group B1 ahead of their midweek meeting with the Irish.