The Super Eagles of Nigeria have kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign on a bright note as they secured a 2-0 win Friday night against the Lone Stars of Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Two first-half goals by Kelechi Iheanacho saw the Super Eagles soaring to the top of their qualifying group that includes Cape Verde and the Central Africa Republic.
Iheanacho’s goals were scored in the 22nd and 45th.
Though ranked more than 100 places below Nigeria in the monthly FIFA Rankings, the Liberians started the game on a confident note; matching everything thrown at them by the Super Eagles.
But as the game progressed, the Super Eagles began to make in-roads for an opening goal.
Ola Aina attempted a shot from range in the 10th minute, but the attempt by the Torino defender went off target.
The Super Eagles almost took the lead moments after, but Joe Aribo failed to hit the target after he was nicely set up by Alex Iwobi.
The opening goal finally came for Nigeria in the 22nd minute when Iheanacho drilled a low shot past the Liberia goalkeeper following an assist from Iwobi.
Aribo could have doubled Nigeria’s lead afterwards but his shot from close range was fiercely blocked by a Liberia defender.
Just before the halftime whistle was sounded, Iheanacho scored his second of the game.
‘Senior man,’ as he is fondly called, scored with a cool finish as he controlled a high ball right inside the six-yard box before he turned sharply to fire past goalkeeper Ashley Williams.
The Super Eagles continued with the pressure after the break but they could not add to their tally.