Coach - Less Super Eagles Devoured By Leopards In Friendly

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were beaten by DR Congo in an international friendly match played at the Vise Stadium on Thursday.

The build-up to the game wasn’t what the three-time African Cup of Nations winners needed as there was a highly publicized dressing room issue between coach of the side Sunday Oliseh and legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

DRC went in front through their star striker Dieumerci Mbokani in the 6th minute of action. It was a superbly taken strike by Mbokani, he turned smartly on the top of the box before he fired beyond a diving Carl Ikeme.

The lively Yannick Bolasie who was menacing upfront for the East Africans then fired a shot from distance which produced a smart save from goalkeeper Ikeme of Nigeria.

Oliseh and his boys couldn’t react to the rampaging forays of the Congelese side.

Ahmed Musa made a good run down the flank to locate Rabiu Ibrahim, but the final ball by Sylvester Igboun screamed across the face of the Congo goal.

Congo doubled the lead on the half hour mark through Jordan Nkololo. The Nigerians were left in a big shock as they were two goals down after thirty minutes.

Super Eagles did tried to pull a goal back when Ogenyi Onazi forced goalkeeper Parfait Madanda to make a great save from a free kick, parrying the ball away for a corner. It was a brilliant stop from the goalie.

In a bid to mount a comeback Emmanuel Emenike and Moses Simon were introduced early in the second half to inject firepower to the Eagles attack.

Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi was handed his debut when he replaced Musa three minutes before the hour mark.

Crystal Palace star Bolasie continued to enjoy himself as his shot from the top of the box almost caught Ikeme napping.

In the 63rd minute, the fearless winger saw another effort ruled out for offside. It was a goal that some pundits felt should have stood.

Genk starlet Wilfred Ndidi made his debut for the Super Eagles as a substitute in the 83rd minute.

The match deservedly ended two-nil in favour of the Bolasie inspired DRC who were hardly troubled by Nigeria.

It was Oliseh’s first loss in charge of the West African side.

The Eagles will clash with their Cameroonian counterparts in another warm-up match in Brussels on Sunday.

How They Lined Up

Super Eagles Starters: Carl Ikeme, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Shehu Abdullahi, Elderson Echiejile, John Obi Mikel, Rabiu Ibrahim, Ogenyi Onazi, Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa (c), Sylvester Igboun

Reserves: Dele Alampasu, Efe Ambrose, Chima Akas, Austin Obaroakpo, Kingsley Madu, Wilfred Ndidi, Obiora Nwankwo, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Emmanuel Emenike

DRC Starters: Parfait Mandanda, Christopher Oualembo, Fabrice Nsakala, Jordan Nkololo, Chancel Mbemba, Remy Mulumba, Jacques Maghoma, Cedric Mabwati, Dieumerci Mbokani, Yannick Bolasie