Nigeria’s Super Eagles showed no sign of Victor Moses’ absence as they effectively dispatched Seychelles 3-0 without breaking a sweat on Saturday.
The Chelsea midfielder announced his international retirement last month aged just 27.
His absence was expected to hurt the Eagles in Victoria but instead, they got back their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on track in style.
The three-time African champions suffered a major upset in its opening Group E fixture, crashing 2-0 at home to South Africa.
That blip coupled with Libya’s resounding 5-1 win over the Pirates meant Gernot Rohr’s team were condemned to win in Victoria.
And of course, they did and in style thanks to goals from Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem and Odion Ighalo.
Without several first-team regulars, Rohr made four changes to the side that lost to Argentina at the World Cup in Russia.
Ogenyi Onazi came in for skipper Mikel Obi, Awaziem for Tyronne Ebuehi, Odion Ighalo replaced Moses while Samuel Kalu stepped in for Ogenekharo Etebo.
As expected, it was the West African tourists who showed intent from the game’s start.
It was unsurprising as there’s a huge gulf in quality between both sides – separated by over 150 spots on the FIFA rankings.
Newbie Kalu and Kelechi Iheanacho threatened but it was the day’s captain Musa who drew first blood.
After some fine exchanges outside the box, Ighalo served Musa with a delicious pass and the new Al-Nasr man sent a thunderbolt off his left foot which came off the back of the Seychelles goalie into the net.
That 15th-minute strike was Musa’s third in his last three appearances for Nigeria.
Ighalo then came close to doubling the lead but the ex-Watford’s forward could only find the woodwork.
Moments later, Nigeria hit the frame again from an Iheanacho free-kick but this time Awaziem was there to bury the rebound.
The 21-year-old FC Porto defender had previously not found the target for his fatherland.
Chances were far and between for the visitor after the half-hour mark with the hosts failing to register an attempt on goal or corner.
The second half began in similar fashion for Rohr’s team.
They continued to press for the third through Kalu.
The Bordeaux of France youngster showed some impressive footwork which didn’t go down too well with the men on Red.
Kalu was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty to Nigeria in the 57th minute.
Ighalo stepped up and dispatched with aplomb.
Nigeria maintained dominance but couldn’t register another fruit.
The Eagles have now garnered three points from two games and will travel to Libya next.
