Odemwingie Leads Nigeria To Victory

Nigeria successfully defeated Mozambique, as they secured their quarter final place thanks to a brilliant double strike from Peter Odemwingie and a late goal from Obafemi Martins.

The Super Eagles made light work of Mart Nooij’s side, as they dominated the second half of proceedings, as fit again striker Obafemi Martins netted Nigeria’s third goal.

Mozambique did have some long range efforts at goal, however on form goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama kept the Mambas at bay. Nigeria will now meet the surprise package of this year’s African Cup of Nations, Zambia, as they finished top of Group D.

Amodu’s side started the better, as Odemwingie had a chance early on; however his effort missed the target. Chinedu Obasi also had a chance after he was gifted an effort thanks to poor defending from Mozambique, but his shot was well saved by Rafael.

Mozambique did have chances to score as Genito’s long range effort sailed over the bar as Nigeria were left stranded at the back.

On 24 minutes Obasi missed a sitter for the Super Eagles after Danny Shittu knocked the ball down, however Obasi failed to get any power on his header as Rafael gathered up the ball.

Nigeria had yet another chance as the ever threatening Peter Odemwingie steered a shot goalwards, however Mozambique’s keeper got down well to save Odemwingie’s effort.

The Mambas had yet another long range effort at goal, as left-back Paito stunning rocket was expertly saved by a flying Enyeama.

Enyeama was one of the stars of the show, as he single handily kept Nigeria in the match with some stunning first half saves.

Just before the break Nigeria edged into the lead, as Odemwingie’s long range effort dipped right in front of the keeper as the ball crept in at Rafael’s near post.

The Lokomotiv Moscow star deserved his goal as he caused the Mozambique defence all sorts of problems in the first half. However Mart Nooij side were very unlucky to concede that goal.

“I am very very disappointed. In all the matches of this tournament, we play very well, only to end up on the losing side. Look what happened in the first half, we were doing well, then from nowhere that goal came to destabilise us” quoted Mozambique captain Bucuane Manuel.

Two minutes into the second half and Nigeria were able to double their lead thanks to great work from Everton striker Yakubu.

Yakubu hit Mozambique on the counter attack as his squared ball was slotted home by Odemwingie as he was able to add his second of the game.

In the 68th minute, Nigeria captain Yakubu made way for Obafemi Martins. As the Wolfsburg striker came on for his first appearance of this year’s African Cup of Nations tournament.

Mozambique had a guilt edged chance as Dario’s well directed header was tipped away by a full stretched Enyeama. Dario’s effort proved to be the last chance for Mozambique, as Nigeria was able to close out of the game.

Nigeria added a third as John Obi Mikel pressured the Mozambique defence, as he expertly won the ball but his shot was saved by Rafael, however he parried the resulting shot away straight to a lively Martins, who smashed the ball home for 3-0.

Nigeria comfortably defeated Mozambique as their best performance of this year’s African Cup of Nations, was capped off in style. Coach Shaibu Amodu and goalscoring hero Peter Odemwingie were pleased and relieved with the result.

“This victory will bring back the needed confidence in the team as we await our quarter final opponents” said Amodu.

“I am so relieved. There was a lot of pressure on us to do well, and I am happy we came out clear winners” added Peter Odemwingie.

Nigeria will now travel back to Lubango to face Group D winners Zambia, as the Copper Bullets stunned African Football by scraping through in their group. The quarter final match between Nigeria and Zambia will be played on the 25th of January.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 1:38 pm by gavh.