An overall brilliant performance from the Super Eagles saw the West African side ease their way to the next round of then Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding display against Sudan.
Nigeria made their intent known early on after Villareal star Chukwueze put them ahead inside three minutes.
Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi grabbed his first senior goal for Nigeria after he headed home from close range in the 45th minute.
That goal saw the Super Eagles make history as the first side to score two goals in the first half of AFCON 2021, since the tournament began.
Just after the interval, Moses Simon continued his good form and capitalized on a brilliant hold-up play from Awoniyi to slot past Ali Abdullah Abou in Sudan’s goal in the 46th minute.
Sudan were second best all through and eventually got a penalty to bag a consolation goal and leave their AFCON hopes hanging on a thread.
After another impressive performance against, we take a look at five talking points as Nigeria make it two wins from two.
“Captain Fantastic” Troost Ekong Silences His Critics
Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong had a good day marshaling his team. He was brilliant in defense and was always calm when faced with dangerous attacks. He gave the Sudanese a tough time, using his strength to his advantage.
The Watford man has struggled in club colors but has been rock solid in two outings for Nigeria. He has barely put in a wrong foot and seems to have found confidence in himself, which has been evident in his commanding displays on the pitch in Garoua.
Ola Aina Remains a Class Performer
After this game we'll talk about Ola Aina????
— IRREPLACEABLE (@Laxix6) January 15, 2022
The Super Eagles right back was easily one of the best players on the pitch. Despite giving away a penalty, he looked assured on the ball and was always a threat going forward. Against Egypt, he was arguably the best defender on the pitch and made yet another inspiring performance to show his worth
Moses Simon Impresses Yet Again
Simon Moses with his man of the match award. #AFCONonDStv #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ErEWOCwJ9S
— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) January 15, 2022
At this rate, the Nantes star is already joining the conversation for the best player of the tournament so far. He bagged a goal and an assist against Sudan and deservedly won the man-of-the-match award. Asides his goal contributions, Simon was a joy to watch and beat his markers with ease severally. He was the most convincing Nigerian attacker all game and seems to be enjoying himself on the left flank of the pitch.
Nigeria Proving to Be Early AFCON Contenders?
?? All hail #TeamNigeria! ?#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #NGASDN | @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/0qMZF8MgTG
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ? (@CAF_Online) January 15, 2022
It’s still early days but the Super Eagles have been one of the most exciting sides in the tournament already. Bar the win against Egypt, many expect the West African side to win the remainder of their games, meaning the jury remains out against them. However, the manner and dominance they have shown in their opening games will surely mean no side will want to face them as the competition advances.
Awoniyi Proves He Can Lead the Line
Delighted for Taiwo Awoniyi…. Man finally gets his name on the score sheet and guess who is super excited for him…. Kelechi Iheanacho.
— Oh' Kelvin (@kelvinekerete) January 15, 2022
The former Liverpool man has been in inspired form in the Bundesliga this season, bagging nine league goals for Union Berlin and 14 in all competitions. That form saw him called up to the Super Eagles squad and the absence of forward trio Odion Ighalo, Victor Osimhen and Emmanuel Dennis means Awoniyi has been the target man and starter in Nigeria’s opening games.
He was a menace for the Sudanese defense and deservedly got his goal after being a work-horse all through. It marked his first senior goal for Nigeria and possibly the start of many to come. However, he could be given a rest in the Super Eagles final game against Guinea-Bissau, with qualification already secured with a game to spare.