hard earned 1-0 win over a gusty Gabon in group B match played at Ahmed Zabana stadium in Oran on Wednesday night. Flying Eagles went ahead on 20th minute from the spot kick clinically dispatched by captain Abduljeleel Ajagun after Gabonese goal minder, Rodolphe Nguandzela had brought down striker Olarenwaju Kayode in the box.
Gabon who drew their opening match with DR Congo started strongly forcing two early corner kicks as their front men Axel Meye Me Ndong and Didier Ndong fired shots at Nigeria goal. The Gabonese had settled into a rhythm and probed the opposition’s defense and taking the early initiative but after the first 15 minutes the Flying Eagles crawled back into contention as midfielders, Ajgun and Moses Orkuma found their feet and passing range, allowing Edafe Egbedi and Kayode some service upfront.
After the goal, Nigeria had opportunities to go further in front but in quick succession Chidi Osuchukwu and Egbedi missed clear cut chances after carving the Gabonese defence open.
After the interval it was Gabon again who were first on the offensive and using quick build-ups and pace on the flanks, they raided the Nigerian goal only to find Chizoba Amaefule, Abdullahi Shehu , Mohamed Aliyu and Ikechukwu Okorie stand firm at the back. Whatever got past them, goal minder Jonah Usman was on hand to save.
On 63rd minute Gabon created perhaps their best chance of the half when Davy Mayoungou made an impressive run on the right flank and edged into the box but he over cooked his cut back leaving fellow strikers in the nets instead of the ball.
At the other end Kayode turned on a half chance inside the box but his shot sailed over the cross bar. With ten minutes remaining Kayode’s pace took him past the Gabonese center backs and through on goal , he rounded up the keeper but somehow but could only steer his shot into the side netting from a good angle and Gabon were still in the game.
Gabon’s persistence almost paid off in added time when in a rare slip –up Usman spilt a harmless shot and Meye Me Ndong’s follow up deflected for a corner. Nigeria ran down the clock and hung on for precious three points to stay in the race for a semi-final place and chance to defend their title. Gabon on one point also remains in contention with last group game against already qualified Mali still to come.
