Sunday Mba scored twice, while Mohammed Gambo and Ifeanyi Edeh also found the back of the net, as the home-based Super Eagles beat Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 in the first leg of their African Nations Championship [CHAN] qualifiers, to take a commanding lead to Abidjan.
The players wore black armbands, in honour of former Nigeria international Thompson Oliha, but were vibrant from kick-off, as they passed with confidence and pegged the visitors back.
Kano Pillars striker Mohammad Gambo, who missed an open net at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, made amends with a well taken goal in the 12th minute. Mba doubled the Eagles’ advantage in the 28th minute, lashing home from outside the box. Gambo’s effort was ruled out in the 36th minute, before Assale and Coulibaly combined well for the latter to score for the Elephants.
The referee sent off Baresi for a foul on Mba and in the 48th minute, a penalty was awarded against the Ivorians. Mba scored from the spot and Cote d’Ivoire went further reduced to 9 men, after Roger Assale saw red. Mba, who had a great game, then sent Ezeh through to seal the win.
Nigeria will be hoping to complete the job when they face the Ivorians at home, to ensure qualification for their first ever CHAN tournament. The country missed out on the two previous editions held in 2009 and 2011.
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