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Nigeria Super Eagles are through to the playoff round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite being held to a 1-1 draw by the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Tuesday.
Super Eagles headed to the game needing one point to seal a spot for the playoff round.
Coach Gernot Rohr made just one change to the squad that defeated Liberian 2-0 on Saturday in Tangier, Morocco as he handed Odion Ighalo a starting XI.
Nigeria got in front in the first minute through Victor Osimhen who tucked in a Moses Simon’s corner.
Nigeria lead lasted just five minutes as the Blue Sharks equalized.
Alex Iwobi almost restored Super Eagles lead in the 11th minute but his effort was not enough to get inside the net.
Ighalo failed to score in his return as he fluffed a great opportunity on the hour mark after he failed to connect with a Jamilu Collins’ set up.
Super Eagles dominated the game and fluffed their chances but the result was enough to earn them a playoff ticket for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile in the other Group C game, Liberia signed off their World Cup qualifier with a 3-0 win over Central African Republic.
Marcus Mauculay gave the lone Stars the lead two minutes into the game before Peter Wilson doubled the lead in the 8th minute.
Isaac Ngoma gave CAR the hope of a possible comeback as he reduced the deficit in the 61st minute.
However, CAR hope was shattered as Wilson second goal of the game in the 73rd minute gave Liberia the win.
Liberia finished third position with six points.