Int’l friendly: Musa, Iheanacho shine as Nigeria wallop Togo 3-0

Nigeria  on  Thursday beat Togo 3-0  in  their friendly match in Paris.

First half goals from Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho  helped the Super Eagles win their second warm-up match ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in Uyo on June 10.  The Nigerians were held to a 1-1 draw in their first friendly game by Corsica  in their friendly match  in Ajaccio on May 26.

 

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr started with  IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, in goal with  Cyprus-based Abdullahi Shehu, Elderson Echiejile, who captained team, William Troost-Ekong and Chidozie Awaziem in the defence. Portugal-based Mikel Agu, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Feirense’s Oghenekaro Etebo and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi started in the midfield.  Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho started in the attack.

The Togolese were pegged back by the three-time African champions from the start of the match with the Eagles wasting several scoring opportunities.

However, Nigeria took the lead in the 3rd minute through Musa. Togo keeper Alassan spilled a cross from Iwobi, which fell into Musa’s path for an easy tap in.

The Eagles piled more pressure on the Togolese defence until Musa  scored the second goal in the 17th minute. The Leicester forward shot from over 35 yards after receiving the ball from Iwobi to beat Alassan.

In the 27th minute, Etebo broke through the Togolese  defence  to create the third goal for Iheanacho, who tapped in from close range.

Rohr made wholesome changes in the sec0ond half as the game became more physical from the Togolese who fought to grab a consolation but failed. Victor Osimhen, Tyronne Ebuehi, Stephen Odey, Sikiru Olatunbosun, Henry Onyekuru, Uche Agbo, Dele Almpasu and Ibrahim Alhassan all featured in the second half.Punch