The Super Eagles, Friday, ended their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign with the defeat of lowly rated Seychelles 3-1 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba in Delta State.
The Nigeria’s Eagles had booked their place for Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. After six games, they now have 13 points.
Odion Ighalo scored their first goal in the 33rd minute for the Super Eagles after Karl Hall fouled Wilfred Ndidi in the box in which the referee gave a penalty.
Against all odds, Rody Melanie levelled for Gavin Jeanne’s side after Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho’s howler, from an indirect free kick.
Henry Onyekuru scored the second goal for the Super Eagles in the 50th minute through header after receiving a nice assist by Jamilu Collins.
However, substitute Moses Simon saw the game end 3-1 in favour of Gernot Rohr’s men.
William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo were the preferred pair at the centre-back partners, with Leon Balogun who is just returning from injury, sitting all through on the bench.
Also, Shehu Abdullahi regained his right-back spot after missing out on the previous games through injury.
While Galatasaray winger Onyekuru made his full international debut in a competitive tie, replacing the unavailable Samuel Kalu on the right wing of a 4-3-3 formation – with Odion Ighalo leading the line.
The Super Eagles tried unsuccessfully to break Seychelles team for over a half-hour, but a respite came when Jude Nancy fell Wilfred Ndidi in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.
The Super Eagles almost got another goal when Oghenakro Etebo expertly played a free-kick just outside the Seychelles box but the keeper parried the ball to safety.
In the 65th minute, Paul Onuachu was handed his debut, with Etebo making way as Rohr reshuffled things. Also, Rotherham United midfielder Semi Ajayi was also brought in for Alex Iwobi.
The Super Eagles will face Egypt on Tuesday, March 26, in an international friendly encounter.
