Oliseh could only manage a goalless draw against
Tanzania in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations
qualification match at the National Stadium, in Dar es
Salaam yesterday.
It was the first official game for Oliseh as the head
coach of the Super Eagles.
Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and Russian-based midfielder
Izunna Uzochukwu were handed debuts with the duo
of Haruna Lukman and Obiora Nwankwo returning to
the senior national side after some months in the
wilderness.
The first real chance of the game was missed by
Nigeria. Skillful Moses Simon was brought down and
the resultant free-kick to Emmanuel Emenike was
wasted.
Tanzania upped the tempo, putting pressure on the
three-time African champions.
The lively Mbwana Samatta forced a save from Ikeme
after he ghosted past Solomon Kwambe. It was
perhaps the best chance of the action packed game
in the opening thirteen minutes.
Samatta was at it again with his header too weak to
trouble impressive Ikeme.
For about ten minutes, the Super Eagles were left
chasing shadows with coach Sunday Oliseh not too
happy with his boys’ performance.In the 28th minute,
skipper Ahmed Musa delivered a well constructed
shot after he was set-up by Emenike.
The homers had a strong penalty appeal turned
down by the match referee on the half-hour mark.
Taifa Stars were in need of the opener and were
urged on by their die hard fans.
Coach Oliseh clearly showed his displeasure with the
performance of Haruna Lukman. The former Golden
Eaglets skipper made way for Slyvester Igboun who
was handed his international debut for Nigeria in the
36th minute.
The hosts were nearly punished for a defensive
blunder but Moses couldn’t utilise the opportunity
that came his way.
Nigeria conjured up one final chance in first-half
stoppage time, but Emenike’s speculative effort was
easily held by goalkeeper Mustapha.
The Super Eagles were much more improved after
the break with Emenike leading the charge.
Musa was put through on goal by Emenike but the
CSKA Moscow forward couldn’t deliver a good cross
to his team-mates. His final ball was poor.
On the hour mark, Tanzania were almost in front. It
took a timely tackle to stop them.
A criminal miss by Tanzania summed up a wasteful
afternoon for them. Ngasa Mrisho headed wide in
front of an empty goal.
Thomas Ulimwengu then forced another save from
impressive Ikeme who held the low shot at a second
attempt. The England-based goalie enjoyed a brilliant
game on his international debut for Nigeria.
Five minutes from time, substitute Eduok got a rare
Nigeria chance as he tried to chip the ball over
goalkeeper Mustapha.
Oliseh didn’t exactly get off to a flying start in charge
of the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles were the happier of the two teams
to get a point on the road as the Taifa Stars were
clearly the better side.
With yesterday’s draw against Tanzania, the Super
Eagles now top the group with four points.
Egypt will however, overtake Nigeria at the summit of
the standings if they defeat Chad on Sunday at Stade
Omnisports Idriss Mahamat Ouya, N’Djamena.
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