Nigeria 2-0 (2-0 agg) Swaziland: Simon, Ambrose score as Eagles progress in World Cup qualifier

[contextly_auto_sidebar id=”NyP2dWkTgSli9re7weExTLMQD0EW6BUO”]

Nigeria on Tuesday progressed to the next round of the Russia 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier after a 2-0 aggregate win against Swaziland in Port Harcourt.

Second half goals from Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose ensured the coach Sunday Oliseh recorded a clinical victory at the Adokiye Amasiamaka Stadium.

Despite the Super Eagles tactician made three changes to the team that drew 0-0 in Swaziland with Sunshine stars’ Paul Onobi replacing Mikel Obi; Sharks’ Chima Akas came in for Elderson Echiejile and Austin Oboroakpo from Abia Warriors replaced Godfrey Oboabona, the first half ended in deadlock.

Fans had to wait till the second leg of the knock out duel between the two countries after the first half ended goalless increasing impatience of the fans at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium but Moses Simon’s well taken free-kick in the 51st minute gave Nigeria the lead and calmed the nerves.

In the 75th minute, Obafemi Martins came in for captain Ahmed Musa and Ogenyi Onazi took the captain’s band as Nigeria went in search of more goals.

With an improved attacking play, the Eagles were rewarded from an unexpected personality, defender Efe Ambrose who made it 2-0 for Nigeria in the 87th minute to send the Port Harcourt fans into jubilation.

Asides throwing open the gates of the stadium to encourage fans to fill the venue and cheer the Nigeria team to victory, the Eagles were also boosted by the Rivers State Government’s $20,000 per goal promise.

With the victory, Nigeria has now qualified for the group stage of the African qualifiers along with 19 other countries, who will be drawn into five groups.

The five group winners will represent Africa in Russia 2018.