November 16, (THEWILL) – After a nerve-racking encounter in the final group game of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, the Super Eagles of Nigeria got the much-needed point to qualify for the playoffs ahead of their dogged opponents, the Cape Verde national team.
Early goals from Victor Osimhen, who opened the scoring for Nigeria in the very first minute of the fixture, and Stopira, who levelled the scores four minutes after for Cape Verde, made for an edge-of-the-seat encounter, especially for Nigerian football fans following the tie.
There were chances for both sides to add to the scores but no other goals were scored in the rest of the first half. It followed that exact same pattern in the second as chances opened up at both ends.
The Cape Verdeans will rue a chance to take the lead in the final moments of the second half. Wilfred Ndidi, on a first half yellow card, had to be aware of a goal-bound effort off a free kick as he provided the block that allowed Nigeria to clear the danger.
From the following corner kick, Ndidi was there again to handle the danger and Super Eagles and Nigerian football fans collectively heaved a sigh of relief.
The Super Eagles managed to stay level by the skin of their teeth to secure a place in the playoffs for the World Cup.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
