“The Super Eagles were forced to work hard for that by a valiant Burundian team. The debutants gave as good as they got in the first half, but Nigeria gradually found a higher groove in the second half. And their goal was a marvel, Ighalo producing a neat finish after a sumptuous back-heeled pass from Aina.” A fan of Eagles tweets.
Ola Aina provided one of the most sumptuous assists in 2019 to gift Nigeria the opportunity to take the lead against Burundi at the AFCON 2019, and Odion Ighalo tucked it away beautifully.
Odion Ighalo came off the bench to score the goal that gave former champions Nigeria a 1-0 victory over stubborn minnows Burundi on Saturday in the opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B match.
The Shanghai Shenhua forward had been on the pitch only four minutes in Egyptian Mediterranean city Alexandria when he struck the 77th-minute winner.
It was an unconvincing performance from the three-time trophy-holders, who lacked attacking sharpness against well-organised opponents.
Bookmakers have made Nigeria fourth-favourites at 9/1 to win the competition, behind hosts and record seven-time champions Egypt, Senegal and Ghana.
Debutants Burundi battled bravely throughout before a small crowd that included four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon, one of the tournament ambassadors.
Les Hirondelles, who qualified at the expense of a Gabon team including Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, lie 89 places below Nigeria in the world rankings.
But they showed no signs of inferiority during the opening half in the ancient city and came closest to breaking the deadlock during the first 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, Germany became the first team to secure their place in the last eight of the Women’s World Cup after Lea Schueller’s late strike completed a hard-fought 3-0 win over the Super Falcons on Saturday.
The two-time world champions had VAR to thank for their first two goals in a physical encounter in Grenoble, before striker Schueller sealed the win eight minutes from time.
AFP reports that Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side are yet to concede a goal in their four games at the World Cup so far.
Captain Alexandra Popp gave Germany the lead on 20 minutes, nodding Lina Magull’s in-swinging corner inside the far post.
Magull was involved again as Germany doubled the lead minutes later.
The midfielder was caught on the knee as Nigerian left-back Evelyn Nwabouku attempted to clear a loose ball in the area.
After reviewing the incident on the touchline, the referee awarded Germany a penalty, and striker Sara Daebritz made no mistake from 12 yards.
Three yellow cards were awarded in the second half as the Nigerians were unable to battle their way back into the game.
Schueller put paid to their hopes on 82 minutes, pouncing on a mistake from Halimat Ayinde and smashing the ball into the bottom corner.
Germany will face either Sweden or Canada, who play on Monday, in the quarter-final next weekend.
