Africa Cup of Nations Report: Nigeria 3-1 Sudan 15 October 2014
The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed their first Afcon qualifying win, after they defeated Sudan 3-1 at Abuja National Stadium on Wednesday night. Stephen Keshi's men have now moved up to third in Group A with four points, with only two qualifying games left against Bafana Bafana and Congo-Brazzaville. Aaron Samuel had a chance to grab his first Super Eagles goal but he fired well wide of the target from inside the area after the 10 minute mark. The hosts hand another chance to break the deadlock in the 38th minute, as a long range shot from Hope Akpan sailed just over the bar. John Obi Mikel almost gave the Super Eagles the lead just before the halftime break, but well taken shot was saved by Akram El Hadi. While, Bakri almost gave Sudan with the last kick of the half, but his shot sailed just wide. Once again the home side came out guns blazing and they took the lead three minutes after the restart, thanks to a neat touch and finish by Ahmed Musa, after he was played in by Mikel. However the visitors leveled matters in the 56th minute, as Salah Al Jizoli tapped home from six-yards out after some slack defending by the Eagles. Keshi's men then restored their lead in the 66th minute, as Samuel pounced on a defensive mix-up between Akram El Hadi and his defender to lash home his first goal for the national side. The Super Eagles were by far the superior side in the second and eventually sealed the win in the 89th minute, as Musa picked up the ball on the edge of box before beating one defender and slotting into the far corner.
