The Wild Beasts of Central African Republic produced an strong performance to beat Super Eagles 1-0 in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C fixture at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Lagos on Thursday, Completesports.com reports..
Karl Namngandaa netted the decisive goal in the last minute of the game.
Gernot Rohr’s charges struggled in their efforts to break down the visitors defence in the opening minutes of the game, to no avail.
Also Read – Live Blogging: Nigeria vs Central African Republic (CAR) 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen had a shot blocked in the 21st minute as the hosts piled up pressure on the the opponents defence.
Osimhen had a chance to put the Super Eagles ahead five minutes later but he blasted his shot wide after he was put through on goal by Kelechi Iheanacho.
The visitors had the ball in the back of the net a minute after the hour mark but the goal was chalked off for a foul on Jamilu Collins.
The Super Eagles continued piling pressure on the visitors’ defence with little or nothing to show for their efforts.
Iheanacho, who picked up an injury late in the first half was replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi after the break.
The pattern of play continue in the second half with the Super Eagles dominating play, while the Wild Beasts sat back in defence.
Osimhen missed another chance to break the deadlock in the 52nd minute. The Napoli striker hit the crossbar after superb pass from Chidera Ejuke, while Awoniyi directed the rebound wide.
Francis Uzoho, who was virtually on holiday in the game produced a fine save to deny the Wild Beasts in the 66th minute.
The Super Eagles responded immediately with Osimhen directing his header from a Moses Simon cross wide.
Samuel Kalu took the place of Simon in the 71st minute as the Eagles frantically pressed for a breakthrough in the game.
Ahmed Musa also took the place of Aribo 12 minutes from time.
Namnganda netted the winning goal on the dot of 90 minutes.
The Super Eagles will travel to face the Wild Beasts in the reverse fixture at their Stade omnisport de Douala Douala Cameroon makeshift home ground on Sunday October 10.
Nigeria still top the Group C on six points. Cape Verde and CAR, on four points apiece, are in second and third positions respectively. Liberia are bottom of the group, on three points.
