Gernot Rohr’s men defeated Lesotho 4-2 in their second Group L qualifying game for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Victor Osimhen put in a sizzling performance in Maseru with two goals and two assists as the Super Eagles turned around a goal deficit and grab maximum points.
Rohr made two changes to his starting XI with forward Moses Simon and defender Chidozie Awaziem replacing Samuel Kalu and Jamiliu Collins, respectively.
The home fans were sent into a state of frenzy early on in the encounter as Lesotho took the lead in the 11th minute after Masoabi Nkoto header beat Daniel Akpeyi in goal.
Nkoto took advantage of a sloppy defence but Nigeria responded well just before the half hour-mark with Alex Iwobi scoring the equaliser after benefitting from Osimhen’s pass.
The three-time African champions dominated the game afterwards and were rewarded with a goal just before half-time as Chukwueze headed the ball over an on-rushing Lichaba Thabiso in the Lesotho goal to put Nigeria in the lead.
After the break, Rohr’s men started the second 45 minutes pushing for more goals.
Ramon Azeez replacing Joe Aribo in the 71st minute provided fresh legs for the Super Eagles and four minutes after the substitution, Osimhen got his name on the scoresheet with the third goal after a fine piece of work from Ola Aina on the left flank.
In the 85th minute, Azeez later turned provider for the fourth as Osimhen beat the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the back of an empty net.
Just before the final whistle, Awaziem turned the ball into his own net as Lesotho reduced the deficit to 4-2.
Sunday’s triumph stretches Nigeria’s tally in Group L to six points after two outings while their Southern African opponents have just a single point after two games.
The Super Eagles’ next group game is against Sierra Leone in August 2020.
