Enugu Rangers playmaker Sunday Mba was the tormentor in chief when the Super Eagles trampled upon Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday in a 2014 CHAN qualifier. It was a repeat of his outstanding show during the 2013 AFCON held in South Africa.
The home took a massive 4-1 advantage to Abidjan with Mba grabbing a brace and assisting in the two other goals by the home team inside a packed Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. The Ivoriens ended the game with 9 men, having bagged two red cards for dangerous tackles.
The Super Eagles aiming to qualify for the first time for the CHAN for local league players opened scoring in the 15th minute through Kano Pillars forward Gambo Mohammed. It was a relief for the big striker who missed the chance to shine at the recently concluded FIFA Confederations Cup. Attacking midfield component Mba made it 2-0 for Nigeria in the 30th minute.
Danger man Tiecoura Coulibaly gave the home fans something to worry about with a goal making the scoreline 2-1. The goal came against the run of play.
The 2005 U17 AYC product completed his brace in the 51st minute via the penalty spot, four minutes after he missed a sitter.
Enyimba International striker Ifeanyi Edeh, who replaced Bayelsa United winger Gomo Onduku scored in the 80th minute, with Mba providing the assist.
The return leg will take place in the weekend of July 20 and 21 in Abidjan with the overall winners advancing to the tournament proper in South Africa next year.
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