Nigeria recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory over Ethiopia last night in Abuja in an African Cup of Nations 2012 qualifier. It was coach Samson Siasia’s first competitive game.
Two goals each from Peter Utaka and Ikechukwu Uche gave the Super Eagles the victory. Madagascar held Group B leaders Guinea to a 1-1 draw in an early game.
Victor Anichebe set up Utaka to slot into the Ethiopians’ net in the first minute of the game.
Utaka doubled the lead in the 53rd minute as he rounded the Ethiopian goalkeeper to send the crowded stadium into ecstasy.
Substitute Uche stabbed home the third goal on the 77th minute after a great work from another sustitute Osaze Odemwingie to ensure that the Ethiopians could not find their way back into the game.
The introduction of Odemwingie and Uche for Anichebe and Utaka enlivened the Nigerian attack as the game wore on. It countered the attacking forays of the Antelopes spearheaded by the energetic Tikru Tefera.
Uche scored his second goal and Nigeria’s forth from a screaming shot in injury time to cap his glorious return to the Eagles after more than a year lay off as a result of injury.
Nigeria now has six points and still trailing Group B leaders Guinea who got a point off Madagascar to increase their point haul to seven.
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Ike Uche, Utaka’s goals sink Ethiopia