Home-based Super Eagles seem to have regressed in their play abilities, as they just narrowly moved past Angola in a 2-1 bout, making it to the semi-final games of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Given more chances than they could convert, the Eagles failed to take the lead in the first half, despite being atop of the game in its early minutes.
Okpotu opened an assault for the Nigeria team, but it would seem that he had failed to calculate his moves accurately before he embarked on a ‘foot-ill’ mission, and lost the ball in a one-on-one meeting with Angolan keeper, Mavanga Landu.
In the minutes that followed, the Eagles kept on the assault, but none could make a brilliant finish as they either lost the ball to the Angolan goalie, or made a wrong critical-second call.
In the 14th minute, Nigeria made an unplanned substitution for Orji Kalu, who went off injured, and was replaced by Timothy Danladi.
Perhaps, this was the chance the Angolan was waiting for, as they began their assault on the Eagles territory, but the Home Eagles held their own, especially goalie Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
Scores were even for both sides, as they moved into the second half of the game more restless than before, in search of a goal. Okpotu had another clear chance for Nigeria, but it was just another near miss.
The Angolans spared no minute to retaliate and eventually took the lead in the 55th minute through Vladimir Va.
The Angolans, all but doubled their lead, almost immediately, but lost the chance thanks to a good defense by Eze.
Gabriel Okechukwu made an attempt to equalize for Nigeria but failed to finish.
Okpotu finally redeemed himself in the 91st minute as he drove the ball past Angolan goalie for a header by Ali assisted by Osas.
This equalizer was the ‘Hail-Mary’ for the Eagles as they moved into extra time.
In the 110th minute, Gabriel put Nigeria in the lead with a sleight display past that Angolan keeper.
The Home Eagles almost put in another goal but the failed to finish any moves, needless to say, they succeeded after all, as they left the matchup with 2 goals against Angola’s 1.
Since their debut in the 2014 edition of the competition, this is the second time the Home Eagles have made it to the semi-finals.
Featured Image Credit:www.completesportsnigeria.com
