W/Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Beat CAR To Avenge First Leg Loss

Leon Balogun atoned for his costly mistake in defeat to the Wild Beasts by opening the scoring in the 29th minute of the match in Cameroon.  

The defender provided a striker's finish after staying up-field and profited from a precise Chidozie Awaziem cross to fire the visitors in front.  

The Super Eagles made it two before the break as defensive partner William Troost-Ekong found Victor Osimhen who finished with aplomb from close range to build on his impressive scoring record at international level. 

This forced the hosts into a change of approach after the interval but Nigeria held firm and they will go into the November round of qualifiers holding at least a two-point lead with two matches remaining. 

Central African Republic (0) 0
Nigeria (2) 2 (Balogun 29' Osimhen 45+1')

CAR: Samolah; Ngam-Ngam, Ndobe, Ban (Ndambakizi 54'), Yangao, Guinari, Toropite (Grengou 79'), Urie (Namnganda 54'), Niamathe, Gaopandia (Kpeko 79'), M'Vondo Ze (Ngoma 46'). 

NIGERIA: Okoye; Balogun (Omeruo 74'), Troost-Ekong, Collins, Awaziem, Ayodele-Aribo, Onyeka, Musa (Ejuke 67'), Simon, Iheanacho (Innocent 74'), Osimhen. 

October 10, 2021