Nwofor’s Brace Lands Mandela Cup for Nigeria

Substituted want-away VVV Venlo forward Uche Nwofor grabbed a brace as the Super Eagles of Nigeria to earn a 2-0 win over dismantled South Africa in the Mandela Challenge match played at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban on Wednesday.

The former youth international, Shooting Stars and Rangers attack got his senior international debut for Nigeria after coming on in place of Shola Ameobi, who was handed his second cap by Stephen Keshi.

The African Champions despite lucky to stay on level terms in the first half after the visiting team dominated the first half of the game, but did not create any clear cut chance that would have yielded a goal.

Academical of Portugal midfielder, John Ogu, had posed the biggest threat for the South Africans, as his two shots from long range were the bright moments for the Super Eagles.

The South Africans had their own chances too, as they caught the Eagles out twice, and got behind the defence, only to find Austin Ejide capable.

On resuming the second half, Nigeria secured more access to the Bafana Bafana’s half with massive change in attack after Coach Stephen Keshi overhauled the forward department.

Nwofor scored with virtually his first touch of the ball, as he compensated for an earlier miss with an audacious back heel that sailed in for the first goal.

The Eagles had played yet another ball in behind the Bafana defence, catching them flat. Nnamdi Oduamadi scuffs his cutback, but Nwofor has the presence of mind to backheel past Khune.

Then in the 68 minute, Nwofor made it 2-0 with a one-touch goal after some great play by the Super Eagles.

Victor Moses, another second half substitute, skipped past his marker and played in Musa, who cuts back to an unmarked Nwofor for a simple tap-in.

Ahmed Musa should have created a third when he cut in from the left with minutes left on the game, but opted to shoot rather than feed a lurking Brown Ideye.