Nigeria’s 92 minutes goal was all the Super Eagles needed to keep hope alive even when there is still a slim chance of their qualifying for the 2010 World Cup as Tunisia have gulped 11 points to continue leading the Group A after beating Kenya 1-0.
After a jigsaw puzzle in front of the visiting team goal area that lasted for 83 minutes, the steaming runs of hardworking Osaze Odewingie, who was the only enterprising attacker in the second half paid off. The fair striker curved a ball from the left side into the Mozambique 18 yard box, which confused the defence, as Nigerian players scramble for a goal. Mozambique goalkeeper Joao Kapango had first kept out Obafemi Martins close-range shot. Fortunately, the ball was pulled bac into the six yard box for Obinna Nsofor to nod home.
Mozambique had the closest goal drive in the first half when skipper Tico Ticoa rising shot hit the upright after beating goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama. It was a big relief for the Eagles that the ball was finally cleared. They went for the recess hoping to come back for the kill, even after pulling out Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Mike Enemaro for Obafemi Martins and Nsofor things still refused to look good in front of goal.
Odewengie told africansportsdigest.com that he is happy with the result which has given them the boost to go to Kenya with the World Cup ticket in mind.
“We really wanted a win in the match, but it turns out to be a difficult game for us. I don’t think we should kill ourselves; we are still building an entirely new team. Therefore we need time to get things right.”
Coach Shuaibu Amodu simply described the match as a tough call for him: “The victory came at a good time else we should be mourning our exit from the World Cup and perhaps the Nations Cup too. Now we have something to play for.”