The Super Eagles of Nigeria warmed up for their upcoming AFCON 2019 Qualifiers against South Africa with a convincing 3-0 win over Togo in a friendly game played in Paris.
Ahmed Musa opened scoring for Nigeria with a lovely finish thanks to some great works from Alex Iwobi, whose venomous effort after beating his marker was spilled by the Togolese goalkeeper onto the path of the Leicester City ace in the 3rd minutes of play.
Nigeria continue to dominate with Wilfred Ndidi and Iwobi looking very impressive in the middle for Nigeria, and in the 10th minute Iwobi found Iheanacho in the box but his well hit effort was saved by the Togolese shot stopper.
However seven minutes later there was no stopping Musa as he grabbed his brace after another fine piece of work from Iwobi once again for Nigeria’s second goal as Togo looked rattled.
Etebo was the next to try his luck for Nigeria, meeting a well weighted pass by Musa ahead of his marker but failed to divert the ball into the goal with the goalkeeper stranded.
Few minutes later the CD Feirense star turned provided, after robbing the goalkeeper of Togo, who failed to clear his lines‎ Etebo unselfishly set up Iheanacho for a easy tap in for Nigeria’s third goal in the 27th minute.
The Togolese found it hard to cope with Iwobi who pulled the string admirably for Nigeria in the middle much to the delight of the fans at the stadium, as he earns cheers for almost all of his move.
Togo failed to mount any serious challenge and Iheanacho almost made it 8 goals in 10 games for Nigeria in the 33rd minute, but unlike his previous effort he failed to get the angle right.
Musa’s brace and the goal from Iheanacho handed Nigeria a comfortable 3-0 lead as both teams head into the dressing room for the half-time break.
The second half saw a more balanced game although Nigeria still threatened the Togolese this time around were resolute in defence, although the series of changes made by the Nigerian coach also helped them cope.
Wolfsburg teen forward Victor Osimhen was handed his debut and was very lively on the pitch, eager to get on the ball most times which helped him win three freekicks for Nigeria after he was fouled.
The game ended 3-0 in favour of Nigeria and helped Rohr preserve his unbeaten record as coach of the Nigerian team ahead of the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo on the 10th of June.
Michael James
