Nigeria-Malawi match as Analyzed by Olatunde Tijani

Left for me, there is really no stinging power that can put fear in the minds of our opponents if we can't let the ball touch the back of the net when ever we have a tangible opportunity to do so! But this is Mr Olatunde Tijani's great match assessment, 

Nigeria - Malawi Match Assessment:

The Super Eagles quenched the Flames of Malawi by two unreplied goals. This was courtesy of a brilliant solo effort by the pragmatic striker, Emmanuel Emenike in the 45th minute and a Victor Moses 2nd half penalty kick.

Emenike who was making his return to the team since picking up an injury at the 2012 African Nations Cup where his goals helped the Eagles to be crowned the continent's champion, opened the scoring after being picked out by Ogenyi Onazi's pinpoint cross before chipping the ball over the on-rushing Malawian goalkeeper. The Malawian goalkeeper whose saves helped his team from conceding more goals from the determined and aggressive Super Eagles, was outstanding.

Victor Moses doubled the lead in the 2nd half after scoring from the penalty spot.

Though, the Super Eagles won the match to qualify for the final stage of the World Cup Qualifier, but it would have been expected that they won by a wider goal margin.

While a Malawian defender was sent off in the 65th minute, the Eagles failed to capitalise on the one-man advantage to score more goals.

The Malawian team held their own even though they were a man down to make the scoreline respectable. Malawi's Coach, Tom Saintfiet after the much heated pre-match issues would be proud of his team despite having lost to the superior fire power of the Nigeria side, who are ranked about 60 places above his team in the FIFA ranking.

This should worry the Nigeria team handler, Stephen Keshi and he should make tactical moves to prevent a repeat of not inflicting maximum damage on the opposing team, especially as they approach the more competitive final World Cup Qualifying round.

Congratulations to the Super Eagles!

Congratulations Nigerians!

»»Olatunde Tijani