Iheanacho makes the difference as the Super Eagles soar in Lagos

The Lone stars did their best to clip the wings of the Super Eagles, but they couldn’t match the quality of the Nigerian team.

The Liberian team will head back to Monrovia with their tails between their legs after a 2-0 beating by the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Nigerian Coach Gernot Rohr took no prisoners as he fielded a strong starting Lineup.

The three-time African champions dominated the first half, with the trio of Aribo, Ndidi and Iwobi dictating play from midfield. Nigeria showed more promise and created more chances in the opening embers of the game.

The early pressure paid off in the 23rd minute as a properly worked corner-kick orchestrated by Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho saw the latter strike a rocket of a shot from outside the box, which beat Ashley Williams in goal to put Nigeria in front.

The Liberians kept their head up after going a goal down. Still, the quartet of Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Collins and Aina kept it tight at the back and prevented Liberia’s attacking duo of Sherman and Kesiah from experiencing any joy upfront.

The Super Eagles were rewarded for their efforts once more in the 43rd minute, and like the first goal, it was a link-up involving Iwobi and Iheanacho.

After a throw-in from Collins from the left side of the attack, Alex Iwobi did well to head the ball to Iheancho, who produced a beautiful first touch to get away from his marker and fired home from close range.

The second half began with Nigeria maintaining the status quo- keeping more of the ball and ensuring solid defence.

The scoreline remained the same in the second half because of misses from Osimhen and Iwobi.

In the 72nd minute, Rohr introduced Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu into the game at the expense of Osimhen and Simon. Captain Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi were introduced in the 84th minute.