Super-sub Odhion Ighalo’s well placed finished in the 77th minute after lashing onto a cheeky back heel from Ola Aina was enough as the Super Eagles secured a hard earned victory over Burundi.
The Burundi’s will feel hard done by – they missed a glorious opportunity to go ahead when Cedric Amissi shot straight at Daniel Akpeyi in the 14th minute when the latter was put through on goal by Gael Bigirimana. Burundi also hit the bar in the first half.
In the first half, the game was fairly balanced as both teams matched each other ‘boot for boot’.
However, in the second half, the Nigerians upped their game whereas the Burundi’s coiled into a more defensive shape. Burundi did have chances of their own but a lack of ideas in Nigeria’s final third let them down. Saido Berahino had a wonderful game in Burundi colors whereas Ola Aina, Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze and Wilfred N’didi were superb for the Nigerians.
The game turned around for the Super Eagles when Gernot Rohr brought on Ahmed Musa for Mikel Obi and Odhion Ighalo for Ebere Paul Onuachu.
Ahmed Musa moved to the left wing whiles Alex Iwobi moved into midfield, with Ighalo upfront.
Burundi gave a good account of themselves but going forward, they must work on their tactics in the final third.
Source: Baiden Gideon/ EonlineGH.com
