Kelechi Iheanacho World Class Strike Gives Nigeria Win Over Tanzania

Nigeria snatched a 1-0 victory against Tanzania in the final Group G match of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday evening.

Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho struck a beauty of an effort with twelve minutes left on the clock as Nigeria squeezed past the East African side to finish on five points, while the Taifa Stars ended the AFCON qualifiers on a point.

It was a cruel blow for the Taifa Stars, who fought gallantly before a near-capacity crowd.

The dead rubber was Franco-German coach Gernot Rhor’s first match in charge of the Super Eagles and the entire team were united in picking a win.

Belgian-based striker Mbwana Samatta led a youthful Tanzania side in the tie.

Former Flying Eagles skipper Musa Mohammed made his official Super Eagles debut, while Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme managed a back problem to start for the home team.

Nigeria used the match to prepare for next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Ndola and so they lined up their best players from Europe.

It was a dream debut for new Nigeria coach Rohr as the three-time Cup of Nations title-holders emerged victory at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Nigeria Starters: Carl Ikeme, Musa Mohammed, Elderson Uwa Echiejille, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun,Ogenyi Eddy Onazi, Obi Mikel (c),Kelechi Iheanacho, Odion Jude Ighalo, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa

Reserves: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Shehu Abdullahi, Jamiu Alimi, Wilfred OnyinyeNdidi, Moses Simon, Nosa Emmanuel Igiebor, Brown Ideye

Tanzania Starters: Manula, Kapombe, Hussein, Andrew, Mwantika, Mao,Mkude, Kichuya, Msuva, Bocco, Samatta

Reserves: Said Kipao, Mwinyi Haji,Yassin Mzamiru, Ibrahim hajib, JumaMahadhi, Farid Mussa, Ibrahim Jeba

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thenff.com