Chris Maduewesi
Member
Nigeria's homebased Eagles did the required job defeating the host country, South Africa 3-1 to qualify for the quarter finals of the African Nations Championship(CHAN)
Ejike Uzoenyi was a handful for the South Africans,bagging a brace,and Ifeanyi Ede the other goal that saw Nigeria through.
Both players combined for the opener with Ede setting up Uzoenyi to shoot Nigeria into the lead in the 22nd minute.
With South Africa missing their first choice keeper Khune through an injury,they had more work to do after stand-in keeper Josephs lost the ball in the box and fouled Gbolahan Salami in the process.
Ede stepped up and converted the kick,making it 2-0 for Nigeria.
Some series of attack in the second half ignited hope for a South African comeback,but the maligned Chigozie Agbim was up to his best in goal for Nigeria.
Agbim pulled out save after save to repel the South Africans and kept Nigeria in the game.
However the match was put beyond doubt for South Africa,when Uzoenyi grabbed his second of the match in the 64th minute and was even close to hitting a hat-trick striking the bar in the 71st minute.
Both teams saw read for second bookable offences for the right fullbacks Kwambe and Mere. South Africa pulled one back through a penalty from Bernard Parker,but it was late for them to snatch a draw.
The win ensured Nigeria qualified for the last eight,finishing second behind Mali who defeated Mozambique 2-1 to top the group.