Paul Onuachu scored a stunning 20-yard half volley on his Super Eagles full debut as the Gernot Rohr’s team beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly game played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Completesports.com reports.
The win was Nigeria’s second in four days after they thrashed Seychelles 3-1 in their final Group E match of 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifiers on the same ground.
Onuachu who replaced Odion Ighalo in the starting line-up beat an Egyptian defender with a delightful flick before firing a half volley into the top corner of the net for his first goal in two appearances for the Super Eagles.
Onuachu’s solitary match winner for the Super Eagles was struck in the first minute of the match, and the Pharaohs chased the gave to no avail for the entire duration of the encounter.
The Nigerian team controlled the game well in the opening 20 minutes, but it was Hassan Mahmoud who came close in drawing the Egyptian level from an indirect free kick which Daniel Akpeyi saved without any problem.
Egypt had another opportunity in the 30th minute through Shalabi Salah but his header went inches wide.
In the second half, Gernot Rohr subbed on Ikechukwu Ezenwa for Akpeyi in goal for Nigeria while Amr Warda replaced Shalabi Salah for Egypt. The Nigeria gaffer also replaced John Ogu who copped a leg injury in the 68th minute with Semi Ajayi .
In the 73rd minute, Henry Onyekuru skipped past his markers before setting up Alex Iwobi, but the Arsenal forward’s strike was blocked by the Egyptian defence.
With seven minutes left to play Ezenwa made a double save to preserve Nigeria’s lead. First, he parried Ahmed Mohamed’s long-range strike before gathering the rebound effort from an onrushing forward.
Balogun also intercepted an Egyptian attack to deny the Pharaohs a late equaliser in the encounter.
By Johnny Edward
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COMMENTS
I said it the Guy Paul Onuachu will take his chances..he is hammer congrts boy
Paul is the new discovery! Ighalo should be ready for the threat and challenge.
Paul is the new discovery! Ighalo should be ready for the threat and challenge this guy will bring to the team.
Congratulations to the entire team. I no say one day you Paul Onuachu will make me happy.
Paul Onuachu scored against Egypt shouldn’t be a surprised to anyone because we all known what he capable of him.
We still have so many players and goalkeepers everywhere but Oga Rohr is the main problem of this team.
I will give you just two names in the MSL in the United states of America. We Have Adi and Fatai Alashe. These two players are very superb and waiting for your call.
Goalkeepers: We have Arthur Okonkwo in England. We also have
David Nwokolor, a.k.a African Buffon.
So, what is going on coach? You took a weak team to the world cup and before the tournament we told you about Paul Onuachu but you ignored him. You keep ignoring our best players but if you fail to improve your team or Impress us in Egypt, we will show you the door. Enough is enough.
Coach Amunike for example. He got hired after you and his team is getting stronger every day by day but for you coach Rohr excuses upon excuses. Your days are numbered.
Fingers crossed. God bless Nigeria!!!
Another rubbish post… walks out of chat room.
Gosh! Why do you always make lopsided comments? Thank God you are no where close to the national team set up. Must you comment? See, just invite everybody that plays football to the national team.Rubbish!
There is no threat but supplementary to Ighalo. Osimhen is there also. Good for Nigeria.
Lessons learnt from the match
1. We have options up front, Paul Onuahu is another discovery, in addition to Ighalo and Osimhen
2. Henry is a real gem and should be unleashed regularly because of his grate skills and trickery.
3. We need a replacement for Iwobi, Super Eagles cannot depend on him blowing hot and cold every now and then.
4. Ezenwa is still sharp and in my opinion better than Uzoho.
5. Balogun is back to his top form and keep the competition in the defense hot.
6. Kalu is still needed to add bite to the attack.
7. In conclusion, with the pool of talent in the Super Eagles and Dream team 7, we have more than enough talent to prosecute Afcon 2019
I agree wit ikeben, I also think the goalkeeper and midfield areas need to be lmproved
What a match!
this is it!!
super eagles is back ..soar to the highest I pray ..up super eagles of Nigeria..Congrats to all Nigerians home and abroad for this wonderful powerful crop of players..abundant talent we have indeed..
Come June 2019,we show dem how to play football..lolzz..
Naija forever
Gosh! Why do you always make lopsided comments? Thank God you are no where close to the national team set up. Must you comment? See, just invite everybody that plays football to the national team.Rubbish!