Nigeria has recorded her first Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup win following an impressive 90 minutes play by the Super Eagles, defeating Iceland 2-0 in their second Group D game in Volgograd on Friday.
A brace in the second half from Ahmed Musa turned the spotlight back on the Super Eagles who now occupy the second place in the group D table on 3 points.
This win is Nigeria’s first victory in a World Cup game by a margin more than one goal since we defeated Greece 2-0 in 1994 at the Super Eagles first ever World Cup outing.
The Game!
Iceland set the pace for the first half of the game, despite having only 40% percent ball possession, the European team completed more shots on target in the first half than they did in their previous game against Argentina, leaving the Super Eagles to become the first team to not have a single shot in the first half of a World Cup game since South Korea versus Algeria in 2014.
Three minutes into the game, Iceland already had their first big chance, but quick to act Francis Uzoho kept his guard good, punching out Gylfi Sigurdsson’s free-kick for a corner.
In another three minutes, Uzoho was called into action by Sigurdsson, and again the Nigerian goalie made a good save.
Iceland kept on throbbing the Super Eagles defense line for a chance at a goal and all-but had their chance at the stroke of half-time but Alfred Finnbogasson missed Sigurdsson’s timely pass.
One minute into the second half, it was as if the Eagles had shed their feathers in the dressing room and came into the game renewed, with Oghenekaro firing Nigeria’s first shot on target, however Icelandic goalkeeper, Hannes Halldorsson stopped the goal-bound shot.
Four minutes into the first half, the Super Eagles sent jubilation to Nigeria all the way from Volgograd as Musa gracefully brought down Victor Moses’ cross and shot straight into the back of the net to give Nigeria the lead.
Nine minutes later, Ndidi went close to doubling Nigeria’s lead, but the Icelandic goalkeeper tipped his long-range shot over the bar.
At this point, Iceland didn’t know what hit them, the Super Eagles took the offensive – searching for a doubler, although Iceland held their defense tight until 75’ minute when Musa grabbed a long-pass and raced past his marker, curled the ball away from Halldorsson’s reach and quickly slot the ball into the net.
In the 83rd minute, Iceland had an eleventh-hour intervention following a foul by Tyronne Ebuehi but Sigurdsson shot the ball over the bar, giving the Super Eagles their first clean sheet.
The Super Eagles will now prepare to face Argentina in Saint Petersburg on June 26 while Iceland will square off against leaders Croatia in final Group-D fixtures.
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This article was first published on 22nd June 2018
achem
Achem Samuel is a writer and a musician, he is passionate about God and also an ardent fan of tech, sports and music.
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