Goals from Chidozie Awaziem and Odion Ighalo helped Nigeria secure a 3-0 win against Seychelles in their second group E match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Nigeria was without points after Matchday 1 of the qualifiers following a 2-0 home defeat to South Africa.
Also, the absence of some regulars meant the team’s Technical adviser, Gernot Rohr had a mountain to climb going into Saturday’s game.
Whatever questions were asked of the gaffer and his readiness were answered inside the opening fifteen minutes as captain Ahmed Musa’s shot from range was helped in by the Seychelles goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles weren’t done yet and 19 minutes later, Awaziem rebounded Samuel Kalu free kick, to double Nigeria’s lead in the first half.
It was also a special moment for the defender as it was also his first international goal.
When action resumed for the second half, the host who had been lull for the most part showed a little urgency and pushed for a goal.
However, they’d be punished further after Kalu, who had been a nuisance to the Seychelles back line, was tripped inside the box and the Referee duly awarded a penalty.
Ighalo tucked it away, brilliantly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to increase Nigeria’s lead.
On the day, Semi Ajayi also got his debut, coming on for Awaziem who suffered an injury in the second half.
The win gets Nigeria’s 2019 AFCON quest back on track, and the Eagles next face Libya.
