The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up the international break with a 1-0 win over Egypt’s Pharaohs in a friendly match at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, in Delta State on Tuesday.
Debutant Paul Onuachu secured victory for the Eagles with an 8-second screamer, a kick-off which undoubtedly entered the record books as the second fastest goal in international football.
Onuachu’s strike was the second fastest goal in international goal after Lukas Podolski’s, with the German striker netting after six seconds in a friendly against Ecuador in 2013.
However, Onauchu replaced Odion Ighalo in one of three changes Rohr made as Leon Balogun came in for on loan Chelsea star Kenneth Omeruo. Moses Simon and Akpeyi replaced Ahmed Musa and Francis Uzoho respectively. Onuachu scored Nigeria’s fastest ever goal in a FIFA International game with just 8 seconds on the clock.
The gangling 6ft 7in striker collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a fearsome shot past Mahmoud Abdel Rahim in Egypt goal.
It was the only clear-cut chance in a rather scrappy first-half marked by midfield tussles and rock-solid defences
The Pharaohs, coming off an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Niger in an Afcon qualifier dead-rubber, regained composure in the second period but failed to duly test the Nigerian goal.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa, a half-time substitute for Daniel Akpeyi, produced the save of the match by keeping out a fearsome drive from 25 yards, and quickly picked up himself to gather the rebound.
Gernot Rohr’s men seemed okay to hold on for the narrow win, with Onuachu the bright spark in a flat second-half.
Alex Iwobi could have doubled the Eagles’ lead after good work down the right by Henry Onyekuru, but his attempted shot was well blocked by the Egyptian defence.
Rohr gave minutes to Semi Ajayi, Ikouwem Udo and Odion Ighalo late on as the Eagles held on for the win.
