ANDREW EKEJIUBA
A first half goal by Fulham midfielder, Andre Zambo Anguissa, Friday evening gifted Cameroon a 1-0 win over Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their international friendly in Vienna, Austria in the first of two legged fixtures between both African rivals.
It was the first loss suffered in regulation time by the Super Eagles against Cameroon since they were beaten 1-0 in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Yaounde 32 years ago, precisely August 27, 1989.
The 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Africa were originally scheduled to start in June but had to be postponed until September 2021 necessitating the raft of international friendlies by African teams.
The Super Eagles started brightly and looked the more likely team to score first but Genk striker Paul Onuachu wasted three goal scoring chances created by Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi.
Cameroon, however, grabbed the opener through Anguissa who latched on a loose clearance by William Troost-Ekong in the 36th minute to fire a low shot beyond the desperate hands of Maduka Okoye in goal for Nigeria.
The Indomitable Lions prowled even further in the Nigerian goal area with former Villarreal forward, Toko Ekambi eventually flagged offside as he bore down on the right side of the Nigerian defence after a great pass from a teammate.
The Eagles had a slew of chances in the second half but the duo of Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho were at fault for wasted chances in the early stages of the second half.
Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr handed debuts to the duo of Terem Moffi and Abraham Marcus and a third appearance for Enyimba forward Anayo Iwuala.
Oghenekaro Etebo’s long range drive was well saved by the Cameroonian keeper while Troost-Ekong’s free-kick after a well rehearsed routine could not restore parity for Nigeria.
Both teams meet again at the same venue on Tuesday evening.