By Ijezie Chukwuemeka
Super Eagles chief coach, Sunday Oliseh, on Tuesday, secured his first win as Nigeria’s national team handler as a better motivated Eagles defeated the Menas of Niger Republic in an international friendly match played at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Oliseh recovered from a disappointing start with a goalless draw against Tanzania earlier this month when CSKA Moscow striker, Ahmed Musa, opened scoring for Nigeria after 11 minutes from the penalty spot after Antony Ujah was fouled on his way to goal area.
Moses Simon scored the Eagles’ second goal in the 85th minute after dribbling past a Nigerien defender.
Nigeria attacked from the onset but their opponents held their own even if sometimes they dished out the rough stuff to the likes of Rabiu Ibrahim.
In the 28th minute, Eagles striker Sylvester Igbonu, who had a decent game, had his shot off Ahmed Musa’s pass blocked for a corner kick.
Nigeria would have increased the tally when Ahmed Musa slotted in the ball in the 33rd minute, but the Ghanaian referee David Laryea cancelled it for offside.
Three minutes to the interval, Ahmed Musa found Igbonu inside the box, but his first touch let him down.
Emenike had the ball in the net in the 75th minute but it was also ruled offside.
The Eagles chef coach said after the match that: “Nobody is irreplaceable except the country, Nigeria. I retired from the national side and the team continues. Ikeme and a few new players came in and put up good performances in both matches against Tanzania and Niger.
“There is room for the likes of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, among others, as long as they demonstrate commitment to play for Nigeria,” said the former Nigerian captain.
Oliseh awarded high marks to the side that won the international friendly match against the Les Mena of Niger Republic on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
“It’s important we win and win as a more organised side. We did not go onto the pitch to merely engage the Nigeriens but to play for ourselves. We were better today (Tuesday) against Niger than Saturday’s AFCON clash in Dar es Salaam against Tanzania.We were better organised and I think we dictated the pace of the game though I will love to see more of it in subsequent matches,” said Oliseh.
