From the Moshood Abiola National stadium – Abuja, the super green eagles of Nigeria drew 1-1 parity with underdogs Cape Verde in their last group game of the Qatar 2022 world cup qualifiers.
Having the knowledge that a point would see them through the next stage of the competition, Gernot Rohr deployed a 4-4-2 diamond formation where former Manchester united striker Odion Igahalo alongside Napoli’s ace forward Victor Osimhen spearheaded attack to that of a 4-3-3 formation from the Cape Verde’s.
Osimhen, opened the score sheet with a stupendous strike which was far beyond the reach of goalkeeper Vozinha just under the stroke of one minute to put super eagles infront but after only four minutes, defender Stopira got the equalizer for Cape Verde as they kept tormenting the Nigerians with a sexy and a champaignic football leading the first half end in one all.
With an attempt to have qualify at the expense of Nigeria, coach Bubista introduced a lot more fresh legs 15′ minutes into the second stage of the encounter where Lisandro Semedo came on for Jeffrey Fortes as well as Nuno Borges coming on for Jamiro Monteiro and that of Erikson Spinola Lima, Gilso Tavares and Vagner Dias all having their time to Rocha Santos, Patrick Andrade and Joao Paulo.
Apparently, Gernot Rohr also with the idea of not conceeding anymore goal which would have been a mind blow to his charge after sustaining much pressure from Cape Verde, sacrificed Moses Simon for Abdullahi Shehu whiles Igahalo made way for Kelechi Iheanacho of Lesceister cities fame and later to see Victor Osimhen substituted for Paul Onuacho.
With additional minutes of play, that was all to witness from the Abuja Moshood Abiola National stadium which have seen the Nigerians quality to the next round of the world cup qualifying campaign with 13 points topping their group.