Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, hit a superb strike as new Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, began his reign with a 1-0 win over Tanzania.
Rohr, 63, was appointed last month to permanently take charge of the Eagles – following their failure to qualify for a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The German’s first task was to oversee the dead-rubber clash against Tanzania with both sides already out of contention for Gabon 2017.
And Rohr definitely didn’t disappoint at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which had a mammoth crowd on ground to witness his debut.
It was the eighth meeting between both sides with the West Africans unbeaten in all.
The former Bordeaux defender kept faith with the old guards – with former U17 skipper, Musa Mohammed, the only surprise inclusion.
Nigeria dominated play from the blast of the whistle but were unable to make their advantage count.
Skipper, John Mikel Obi, continued his impressive showing for Nigeria after leading the country to bronze medal at the Olympics – by marshalling the midfield but this time alongside Ogenyi Onazi.
Victor Moses’ new found form under Antonio Conte at Chelsea proved to have aided his game as he displayed top-notch skills and tricks on the flanks with Ahmed Musa on the other.
Watford’s Odion Ighalo came close to opening the lead on a couple of occasions but his finishing let him down.
However, it was City’s golden boy, Iheanacho, who proved to be the match winner for Nigeria in the 78th minute after curling in his attempt from outside box pass the Tanzania goalkeeper.
It was the 20-year-old’s third strike in just five appearances for the Super Eagles.
The victory means Rohr will now head into the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia in October high in confidence.
