Nigeria v Namibia Live Commentary

Published: June 03, 2012
Nigeria v Namibia Live Commentary 3:45pm A victory against Namibia will earn the Super Eagles some important three points as they begin their chase for qualification for the Brazil 2014 Fifa World Cup. Group rivals Kenya and Malawi played a goalless draw on Saturday.

3:52pm: Players and officials of both teams have come out of the tunnel. Ikechukwu Uche waves to the crowd. The stadium is filled to capacity.

3:54pm: We can confirm the starting line-up of the Nigeria squad. There is a blend of local and foreign professionals. Vincent Enyeama (goalkeeper) – Godfrey Oboabona, Juwon Oshaniwa, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Efe Ambrose (defenders) – Obiora Nwankwo, Gabriel Rueben, Ike Uche (midfielders), – Victor Moses, John Utaka, Ejike Uzoenyi(attackers).

Namibia: Vires Vigil – Angula Dacosta, Mwediasanga Willem, Horaeb Larry, Halsey Denzil, Ketjeke Roland, Isaacks Heinrichi, Shitembi Petrus, Stephanie Willy, Kamuga Esun, Shipahu Tangen.

3:56pm: First the Namibia National Anthem is played. Then, the stadium announcer urges fans to stand up for the National Anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

4:00pm: One minute silence for former Super Eagles hero Rashidi Yekini, who passed away last month.

4:03pm: Kick Off, Nigeria starts the game.

4:11pm:  Still early days, the Super Eagles are trying to stamp their authority. Ikechukwu Uche has come closest for Nigeria. Goalkeeper Vires Vigil saved his shot.

4:18pm: Wigan's Victor Moses set free in the penalty area of the Namibians. A body check floored him. Referee rightly waved play on.

4:24pm: Inter Milan's Obiora Nwankwo tries his luck from distance. Shot missed intended target.

4:29pm: Ikechukwu Uche on the prowl. His effort is narrowly over the cross bar. Looks like the most dangerous player on the pitch for both sides.

4:46pm: Short corner kick played by the Nigerians. John Utaka failed to keep his header downward. The Namibians look descent in defense. They would be delighted with the present scoreline 0-0.

4:48pm: Nervy moment for the Namibians. Activity in the penalty area of the Brave Warriors. Goalkeeper to the rescue.

4:50pm: It's half time here at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. 0-0. The Eagles have not translated their numerous chances and possession into goals.

4:55pm: The Super Eagles are playing in their traditional green jersey. The Namibians are suited in white.

5:12pm: The second half is already underway. A tactical switch has been made by Eagles gaffer Stephen Keshi. Victor Moses is now playing a more forward role.

5:13pm: Goal mouth scramble. Unbelievable, the ball refuses to go in. The Namibians clear the ball to safety.

5:18pm: Obiora Nwankwo and Namibia number 10 contest for the ball. Nwankwo comes worse off. He is lying on the turf, and has signaled to the bench. He is stretchered off.

5:22pm: CSKA Moscow's Ahmed Musa replaces John Utaka. First substitution by the Nigerians. It almost turned out to be a fairytale substitution. Fed in the penalty box, Musa's header just narrowly wide. 

5:28pm: Obiora Nwankwo tries to slice another shot from distance, misses target. Offensive substitution by Nigeria. Henry Uche comes in for Obiora Nwankwo to add quality to the Eagles attack.

5:36pm: Ikechukwu Uche remains a thorn in the flesh. Despite opposition from Namibian defender, manages to play a shot which posed no danger to the Namibian goalie. The Nigerian supporters are becoming restless. Calling on the team to give them a goal.

5:39pm
: Rare break by the Namibians. Juwon Oshaniwa covers up brilliantly. Enyimba's Uche Kalu joins the fray.

5:41pm: Goooooooooooaaaal!!!!!! Ikechukwu Uche continues his amazing record for the National Team. Keeping his cool to fire in from close range. Nigeria 1 Namibia 0.The supporters have gone wild with celebration.

5:47pm: Namibia substitution, an attacking one. Number 17 shirted Sydney Plaatjies replaces Tangeni Shipahu.

5:52pm: Four minutes added on by the fourth official. Namibians have four minutes to prevent a likely defeat.

5:55pm: The Eagles are on the brink of getting three points. One minute left.

5:56pm: Referee blows his final whistle. Nigeria now top Group F of the CAF qualifiers to Brazil 2014 with three points. The victory will give them a boost of confidence ahead of next weekend's away game against Malawi.

Latest News
Hire the right candidates on MyJobMag
News Categories