Super Eagles Soar In Nairobi

Super Eagles Soar In Nairobi

By Mohamed Deen

Published November 15, 2009

Nigeria's Super Eagles put on a superb display to beat the Harambe Stars of Kenya 3-2 in a highly entertaining game in Nairobi. The result ensures Nigeria's qualification to the 2010 world cup in South Africa. The Nigerians went into the final game trailing group leaders Tunisia by two points. The Super Eagles needed to beat Kenya and hope Tunisia fails to beat Mozambique in Maputo.

However, things got off to the worst possible start for Nigeria as Dennis Oliech opened the scoring for Kenya on the 16th minute. The goal ensured Kenya went into the break with 1-0 lead, while Tunisia was drawing 0-0 in Maputo. At that point, the Tunisians were still in pole position and on their way to the finals.

Nonetheless, the Super Eagles showed tremendous fighting spirit in the second half by scoring two goals in quick succession. Obafemi Martins leveled for Nigeria on 62 minutes and Yakubu Ayegbeni scored on 65 minutes to put Nigeria in the driving seat.

The Kenyan fans showed their discontent and their team rallied once again and Allan Wetende equalized on 78 minutes. However, the day belonged to the Super Eagles as Obefemi Martins scored the winner with just seven minutes remaining.

While the Super Eagles fans celebrated Martins' winner, things got even better for Nigeria as Dario scored for Mozambique to send the vociferous Mamba fans into raptures. Dario's goal ensured a 1-0 victory for Mozambique over Tunisia. The result confirmed Nigeria's qualification for the 2010 world cup in South Africa. Tunisia had been in pole position since the start of the qualifiers, but failed at the final hurdle. Mozambique finished third and earned a well deserved place at the forthcoming Africa Nations Cup in Angola.