The Super Eagles have stormed to the top of Group C of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers courtesy of Kelechi Iheanacho first-half brace against Liberia in Lagos today.
The Eagles head the standings on three points after a round of matches after Cape Verde were held to a 1-1 draw by Central African Republic in the opening game of the group Wednesday.
Nigeria will next battle Cape Verde Tuesday, while Liberia host Central African Republic.
The Eagles dominated this clash and should have translated such dominance into more goals against a team who offered very little opposition.
The opening goal by Leicester City striker Iheanacho was in the 22nd minute, when he drilled a low shot from outside the box which somehow sneaked beyond the Liberia goalkeeper.
He doubled the home team’s lead on 45 minutes.
It was a cool finish as he controlled a high ball right inside the six-yard box, before he turned sharply to fire past goalkeeper Ashley Williams.
He has now scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for Nigeria.
The Eagles created several other chances, but Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, who was picked ahead of Oghenekaro Etebo, and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen failed to put any away.
Liberia sat back in defence in the opening minutes and the rain-soaked pitch appeared at a time to slow down the rampant attack of the Nigerians.
Skipper Allen Njei was booked for a late tackle.
In the second half, the Eagles again created several chances, like in the 47th minute, when Iheanacho was close to completing his hat-trick but his free header from inside the box missed target.
Captain Ahmed Musa replaced Man of Match Iheanacho five minutes from time for his 99th international cap.
The Lone Star pushed forward in the closing minutes as they gained in confidence, but they could not affect the scoreline.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Liberia (1-4-2-3-1)
Maduka Okoye – Jamilu Collins, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Ola Aina – Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo (Oghenekaro Etebo 90) – Alex Iwobi (Shehu Abdullahi 85), Kelechi Iheanacho (Ahmed Musa 85), Moses Simon (Samuel Kalu 78) – Victor Osimhen (Paul Onuachu 78 minute)
