Super Eagles of Nigeria, on Friday in Lagos, defeated the Lone Stars of Liberia 2-0, in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Venue was the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
The goals came from England-based forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, in the 22nd and 44th minutes.
The Super Eagles kicked off the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note to the excitement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba; President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick;
Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, and others.
This result puts Nigeria on top of Group C after Matchday 1.
Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, made double substitutions in the 77th minute with Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu replacing Osimhen and Simon.
The match hero and Leicester City forward, Iheanacho, later made way for Captain Ahmed Musa in the 84th minute of the game.
The Liberians started the game with full confidence attacking the Super Eagles defence.
Ola Aina attempted a shot from range in the 10th minute, but it went off target.
The Super Eagles nearly took the lead five minutes later, but Joe Aribo failed to hit target after he was set up by Alex Iwobi.
Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead on the 22nd minute, slotting home following an assist from Iwobi.
Victor Osimhen almost doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 37th minute, but his shot failed to hit target.
Iheanacho scored his second of the game in the 44th minute with Iwobi once again providing the assist.
The Super Eagles continued with the pressure after the break and Leon Balogun headed narrowly wide from Iheanacho‘s inch-perfect corner-kick in the 49th minute.
Osimhen’s header from Moses Simon’s cross was saved by Liberia goalkeeper in the 62nd minute.
The Super Eagles will face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in their next game on Tuesday.
