It all started well, especially after an early goal by Afe Ambrose, about 13 minutes after the start. But then it was a shock for the defending African champions and their fans. Three conceded goals in a row put the team 1-3 behind. The search for two late equalizers was only 50% successful.
The Super Eagles lost their first game in Calabar, 2-3. Before today, their worst performance at this stadium was a 1-1 draw vs Kenya last year.
Looks like the rift between the NFF and Coach Stephen Keshi was one of the factors which affected the overall performance. The next qualifying game takes place in South Africa, on September 10, 2014, Wednesday.
Learn the crucial moments of the match below:
90`+6 Nigeria's non-stop attacks were neutralised. Full time. What a sensation in Calabar.
90`+3 Congo was close to scoring again. Boukama Kaya missed the target
90`+1 Substitution #2 (Claude Le Roy): Ladislas Douniama IN Fode Dore OUT
89` A corner, and the ball is in the net. Gbolahan Salami scored! The guests wanted the goal to be cancelled causing commotion.
86` Onazi hits, Congo's goalkeeper Massa saves
82` Igiebor misses from a couple of metres! What a miss! Above bar…
80` Mikel wins another corner, it brings no fruits.
78` Congo is two goals ahead, but they do not play in defensive style! Offside - Bifouma
75` Substitution #1 (Claude Le Roy): Jusly Gitel Boukama Kaya IN Arnold Bouka Moutou OUT
73` Substitution #3 (Keshi): Salami IN Nnamdi Oduamadi OUT
71` Good one from free kick. Emenike shots, Massa saves.
68` Another corner won by Emenike, but no big danger for Congo. The Super Eagles are in the hurry. They need to escape the defeat
65` Igiebor's attempt in the guest's box stopped by offside flag.
63` Two yellow cards for Nigeria in two minutes! First it was Mikel, then Musa
60` Congo's keeper Chancel Massa makes another save
57` The guests keep breaking hosts' waves of attacks
54` Thievy Bifouma (Congo) scores from 11-meter spot. Second goal of the evening for him. Nigeria 1 – Congo 3. Eagles' goalie guessed the direction, but the strike was too fast and powerful
53` Penalty opportunity for Congo
50` Double substitution (Keshi): Nosa Igiebor IN Ramon Azeez OUT
Emmanuel Emenike IN Uche Nwofor OUT
48` HUGE opportunity is missed by Eagles, centimetres off target.
46` The second half begins. Keshi's boys need to change something. If things go on like this Congo will have a chance for their second victory over Nigeria in 44 years.
45` Two minutes added. They changed nothing. Nigeria 1 – Congo 2.
42` Three minutes before the break. Keshi needs to rethink the strategy during the interval.
40` Bad passing and inability to neutralise the danger leads to sad result Thievy Bifouma (Congo) scores
39` A corner for Congo.
38` Congo gets a chance for a dangerous free kick. Eagles have to be careful while defending
33` The game gets more exiting. Corner for Congo, Ejide grabs the ball confidently.
31` Free kick Nigeria, John Obi Mikel shoots, right into the players.
30`The goalkeeper of the guests dives into Musa's feet, prevents him from scoring
29` Dangerous attempt for header by Congo's #12, off target.
25` Nigeria attacks again. Offside for Ahmed Musa
23` Great long pass to Congo's box. The Eagles looked dangerous as they attacked.
21` Twenty minutes passed. No rain in Calabar. The teams exchanged early blows and now calmed down.
15` Congo replies Nigeria's early goal. Prince Oniangue scores
13` A free kick for Nigeria and Efe Ambrose Scores! Nigeria 1 – 0 Congo Beautiful header by him, horrible mistake by Congo's defence, keeper!
11` Ten minutes passed. The teams are getting used to each other and to bumpy surface of the field.
8` Offside, Congo!
5` Ejide was in game! Confident playing, not dangerous.
3` Early attempts by Eagles to attack were stopped by the guests. Keshi's boys are in the passing game now
1` And off we go
Everyting is ready at UJ Esuene Stadium in the capital of Cross River State, Calabar, for the start of Nigeria vs Congo AFCON2015 qualifying match in group A.
Stephen Keshi's boys are now under slight pressure after impressive performance by Bafana Bafana. South African team visited Khartoum, Sudan, in the opening match of the group and defeated the hosts by scoring 3 goals without a reply.
The Big Boss made 6 changes as compared to the last match against France at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria's starting 11 was announced in the afternoon of September 6, 2014, Saturday, and looks like this: Austin Ejide; Efe Ambrose, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, Elderson Echiejile; Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Ramon Azeez; Ahmed Musa, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Uche Nwofor. Apparently we shall see 4-3-3 formation.
Source:naij
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