Nigeria’s Super Eagles Beat Akwa United

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday defeated Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United 3-0 in a friendly game played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

Although the match ended 20 minutes before regulation time as the flood lights did not come on, it was a positive start for the Eagles under new manager Gernot Rohr, who officially replaced Sunday Oliseh at the helm, and is tasked with ensuring Nigeria qualifies for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Brown Ideye, Nosa Igiebor and Odion Ighalo scored the goals that sealed the deal for the three-time African champions as they prepare for Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

Ideye opened the scoring after 28 minutes following a well-executed counter-attacking move. This was before Igiebor – making a return to the side after a two-year hiatus, doubled the lead in the 39th minute.

Watford hotshot Ighalo, on as a second-half substitute, scored from the spot to sink the Solid Miners despite a late red card for Standard Liege’s Elderson Echiejile.

“They made a good work. It was an interesting game for me and for us because now, I have a look for each player,” Rohr said after the game.

“It was also important for me to see the state of the (pitch in the) stadium. We are happy with this performance”.

The Eagles take on Tanzania’s Taifa Stars Saturday in an AFcon 2017 Qualification tie that’s of little significance following their elimination in March.