The Home-based Super Eagles defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in Saturday’s African Nations Championship final round qualifier, first leg played at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Goals from Bature Yaro and Gbolahan Salami were all the Eagles needed to breeze the visitors aside towards ensuring qualification for the competition billed for Rwanda in 2016.
The home team dominated proceedings right from kick off and almost got the lead after Ezekiel Bassey flicked a cross to Tunde Adeniji who missed by narrowly.
Yaro had his first chance at goal in the 21st minute after finding space in the Stallions backline but his efforts yielded no positive result at it was saved by the goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, he made amends for his earlier miss by scoring from close range.
Nigeria could have doubled the lead 11 minutes later but Osas’ shot kissed the cross bar after Ifeanyi Mathew’s initial chance had been saved.
In the second half, both teams attacked endlessly in search of goals – the visitors came close twice but Kalu Orji was at his best to clear his defence line.
In the 63rd minute, Chisom Chikatara missed a sitter after exchanging a one on one pass with Salami.
With less than 18 minutes to go, Bassey was fouled in the Burkinabe’s goal area, with Salami converted the spot kick.
A draw for Nigeria in the second leg will hand the Super Eagles a ticket to make their second appearance in the history of the competition.
Goals from Bature Yaro and Gbolahan Salami were all the Eagles needed to breeze the visitors aside towards ensuring qualification for the competition billed for Rwanda in 2016.
The home team dominated proceedings right from kick off and almost got the lead after Ezekiel Bassey flicked a cross to Tunde Adeniji who missed by narrowly.
Yaro had his first chance at goal in the 21st minute after finding space in the Stallions backline but his efforts yielded no positive result at it was saved by the goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, he made amends for his earlier miss by scoring from close range.
Nigeria could have doubled the lead 11 minutes later but Osas’ shot kissed the cross bar after Ifeanyi Mathew’s initial chance had been saved.
In the second half, both teams attacked endlessly in search of goals – the visitors came close twice but Kalu Orji was at his best to clear his defence line.
In the 63rd minute, Chisom Chikatara missed a sitter after exchanging a one on one pass with Salami.
With less than 18 minutes to go, Bassey was fouled in the Burkinabe’s goal area, with Salami converted the spot kick.
A draw for Nigeria in the second leg will hand the Super Eagles a ticket to make their second appearance in the history of the competition.
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