Nigeria Super Eagles on Saturday night spanked Sudan 3-1 to zoom into the second round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON2021) going on in Cameroon.
Playing at the Stade Roumdé Adjia in Garoua, the Super Eagles scored twice in the first half and early in the second, establishing a firm lead before Sudan reduced the deficit midway into the second half.
Samuel Chukwueze fired Nigeria in front in the third minute after Ola Aina’s long throw fell to Moses Simon who teed up his fellow winger for a simple finish.
With a number of scoring opportunities missed by the Eagles, the second goal did arrive however on the dot of half time when Taiwo Awoniyi rather instinctively headed home although Sudan goalkeeper Ali Aboeshren should have done.
Nigeria got a third within forty seconds of the restart when Taiwo Awoniyi held up play for Simon to finish the run he started with a close range finish beyond Aboeshren.
The Sudanese were then handed a lifeline by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) when Ola Aina was punished for a tug on Mostafa Mohammed’s shirt inside the box. Walieldin Safour obliged from 12 yards with twenty minutes left.
That was about how good it got for the Sudanese though as the Eagles strolled into the final minutes to claim a ninth victory in 17 outings against the Falcons of Jediane.
For having a goal and an assist, Moses Simon was named Most Valuable Player.
Nigeria, coached by Augustine Eguavoen thus join Cameroon and Morocco as the early arrivals into the round of 16 in the 2021 AFCON tournament. They will face Guinea Bissau in their final group game on Wednesday.
Photo: OgaNla Media
Fisayo Dairo reporting from Garoua
