Simon, Efe take Nigeria to next round

Two second-half goals by Moses Simon and Ambrose Efe saved Nigeria’s blushes as the Super Eagles qualified for the next round of the Africa qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup.

The Super Eagles were less than clinical in the game against Swaziland in Port Harcourt, wasting a litany of chances in an uncoordinated display but still managed to eliminate the hardworking and determined southern Africans.

Nigeria went into the match on a delicate note, having played a goalless draw in the first leg of the second round fixture in Swaziland on Friday.

Swaziland’s goalkeeper, Nhlanhla Gwebu, was brilliant on occasions, racing off his line to clear a looping pass from Odion Ighalo in the fifth minute and cutting out Simon in the process.

Ighalo wasted a precious chance in the 3oth minute, shooting wide from an Ogenyi Onazi long ball.

It was Swaziland’s turn to miss in the 32nd minute, as Sandile Hlatjwako went close from a free kick with the Nigerian defence caught flat-footed.

Sylvester Igbonu recorded probably the miss of the game in the 48th minute, failing to hit an empty net after a short pass from Ighalo in the six-yard boss.

Relief came the way of the fans in the 51st minute when Simon scored from a free kick after Igbonu was fouled on the edge of the box.

Efe doubled the lead in the 87th, converting an Igbonu free kick and sending Nigerians into jubilation and quenching fears of a possible equaliser by Swazliand which could have eliminated Nigeria.

Carl Ikeme, in goal for Nigeria, prevented what would have been a disaster for the hosts in the 82nd with a one-handed save from a looping ball by Njabulo Ndlovu having been caught off his line, with the Eagles holding a slender 1-0 lead.

Phiwa Dlamini got a red card in the added time, but it was too late for Nigeria to take any advantage.