Emenike shoots Eagles closer to Brazil

The Super Eagles took a big step towards securing their place at the 2014 World Cup  in Brazil with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their play-off against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

The  African champions  headed into the game as strong favourites for the clash against  the Walya Antelopes  looking to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.

However, the Eagles struggled for much of the encounter and fell behind when  goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama misjudged a cross from Behailu Assefa in the 57th minute.

Nigeria, who were not at their best, equalised through Emmanuel Emenike’s ferocious drive after 67 minutes.

Emenike then won and scored a penalty late on to seal a barely-deserved win.

The match was in the 90th minute when Aynalem Hailu needlessly brought the Nigerian down, so allowing the Turkey-based striker to coolly slot home a decisive goal.

Bidding to qualify for their fifth World Cup in six attempts, Stephen Keshi’s side grew stronger as the game wore on and could have led after 77 minutes as Ahmed Musa thumped a close-range strike against the inside of the post.

Defeat was cruel on Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw, whose team impressed with their technical play but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Trying to become the first East African nation to appear at a World Cup, the Walya Antelopes thought they had opened the scoring after 24 minutes through Saladin Said.

The forward controlled a long diagonal ball well and managed to beat Enyeama only to see Godfrey Oboabona clear off the line.

So there was a hint of irony when Ethiopia made the breakthrough in similar style as Enyeama was slow to react to a left-wing cross from Assefa, with the Lille keeper  badly positioned as he caught the ball behind the line.

There was a split second of hesitation before the home fans realised a goal had been scored, prompting an outpouring of celebration from the hordes of colourful Ethiopian supporters.

Italy-based  Nnamdi Oduamadi  and Liverpool’s Victor Moses  missed  good chances in the first half. Moses  had an early opportunity to draw level but  goalkeeper  Jemal Tassew made a fine save  to deny him.

The  Eagles did not have to wait long for their equaliser however as Emenike took possession 30 yards out before drifting forward and rifling home a blistering strike.

The goal took the wind out of the hosts’ sails and they were fortunate to survive with their goal intact when Musa got behind the Ethiopian defence and hit the post with Tassew beaten.

Ethiopia substitute Addis Hintsa missed two presentable chances in the dying minutes, as the match looked set to end in a draw.

While that may have been a fairer reflection on the game, Emenike had other ideas, ploughing into the box and forcing a rash challenge from Hailu who clearly tugged the Nigerian’s arm.

Emenike’s second goal of the game enabled the visitors to stage the perfect smash-and-grab and ensure that Nigeria are favourites to progress to their second straight World Cup when the two sides meet again in Calabar on  November 16.