1 May 2011
Nigeria at the weekend qualified for the second round of the All Africa games qualifier following a 6-1 thrashing of their Liberian counterparts at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Two goals each from Lillestrom of Norway Midfielder Nosa Igiebor, Kieng Giang of Vietnam Strike Ganiyu Oseni and one each from AC Milan’s Nnamdi Oduamdi and Leicester City’s Uchechi Daniel ensured that Nigeria came from a goal down to beat the visitors.
Following a shaky start and a string of mistimed passes from the midfield and defence line of the Dream team, the Liberians capitalised and punished the Austin Eguavoen-tutored side in the 26th minute after Solomon Okpako gave a faulty pass to the opponent, which forced Edet Ibok to commit a foul at the vital area.
Liberia’s danger man, Patrick Wleh took the resulting penalty kick to puts his side ahead.
However, three minutes later, Ekigho Ehiosun was brought down in the Liberian box and a penalty was awarded.
Uchechi Daniel stepped up to slot home the kick which was his fourth in four games for the Dream team to level for Nigeria.
Solomon Okpako was promptly taken off for Ganiyu Oseni in the 35th minute after Okpako sustained a bruise on his knee.
The Introduction of Ganiyu saw Nosa Igiebor drop to the midfield and the Dream Team began to play with more purpose.
At the end of the encounter, the full time scores stood at 6-1 and 7-2 on aggregate for Nigeria who the Liberians had forced to a one all draw in Monrovia in the first leg.
The Dream Team now faces Ghana for a place in the football event of the All African Games.
AllAfrica – All the Time