Posted by BY Soccer Star Desk on
Mercurial Inter Milan striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, was Super Eagles' saving grace again on Wednesday as he scored the only goal in the international friendly against Libya in Tripoli.
Mercurial Inter Milan striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, was Super Eagles' saving grace again on Wednesday as he scored the only goal in the international friendly against Libya in Tripoli.
Martins' 20th minute strike off captain Nwankwo Kanu's visionary pass powered Nigeria into the lead as Super Eagles silenced the Eagles of Libya.
Playing on a rough turf, the Nigerians parading returnee Taribo West, who paired in the central defence with Everton-based Joseph Yobo, combined beautifully with up-coming Taye Taiwo and Abbey George, a chemistry that put Libyan attackers in check in the first 45 minutes.
The Super Eagles had more possessions of the ball as the trio of Seyi Olofinjana, Garba Lawal and Chris Obodo who marshaled the midfield for Nigeria outplayed the Libyans in the midfield.
Nigeria would have made it two in the 30th minute, had Kanu laid a through pass to unmarked Obagol rather than trying a solo run.
The first yellow card went to Osaze Odemwingie for a rough charge on a Libyan, while the referee overlooked what seemed a penalty when West pushed an on-rushing Libyan attacker in the vital area.
Meanwhile, Nigeria's goalkeeper, Greg Etafia, was not tested in the first half which ended 1 - 0 in favour of Nigeria.