By Johnny Edward
Super Eagles duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi were both awarded the Man-of-The- Match and Most Valuable Player awards in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Liberia in a Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying game at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Friday, Saturday PUNCH reports.
A first half brace from Leicester City forward, Iheanacho, secured a dominant win for the three-time African champions and he was rewarded with the sum of N1m by one of the sponsors of the Nigeria Football Federation after the game.
The former Manchester City player scored in the 23rd and 45th minutes to shoot the Eagles to the top of Group C after match-day one fixtures, following Cape Verde’s 1-1 draw with Central Africa Republic on Wednesday.
Iwobi was adjudged the MVP of the game and was handed N1m for his performance. The Eagles dominated the encounter but were wasteful in attack against the Liberians, who offered very little resistance. Liberia sat back in defence in the opening minutes and the rain-soaked pitch appeared at a time to slow down the rampant attack of the Nigerians.
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon were the biggest culprits. Iheanacho scored the opener in the 22nd minute when he drilled a low shot from outside the box, which sneaked past Liberia goalkeeper Ashley Williams.
The goal ended his seven-game goal drought for the Eagles. He doubled his team’s lead on 45 minutes after he controlled a high ball right inside the six-yard box, before he turned sharply to fire past Williams. The striker took his tally to 11 in 23 games for the Eagles. In the second half, the Eagles again created several chances – in the 47th minute, Iheanacho was close to completing his hat-trick but his free header from inside the box missed target.
Captain Ahmed Musa replaced Man-of-The-Match Iheanacho five minutes from time for his 99th international cap. The Lone Star pushed forward in the closing minutes as they gained confidence, but it didn’t change the score line.
The Eagles next battle Cape Verde on Tuesday after Liberia must have played Central African Republic 24 hours earlier.
Originally published at Punch