Nigeria vs Cape Verde: Victor Osimhen scores as Super Eagles qualify for World Cup 2022 Playoffs

• Nigeria vs Cape Verde lived up to its pre-match razzmatazz as it was explosive from the first blast of the whistle
• The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened the scoring barely seconds into the encounter but the visitors drew level four minutes later through Stopira
• The match ended 1-1 as the Super Eagles qualify for the 2022 World Cup play-offs in Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2022 World Cup play-offs after finishing top of Group C in the qualifiers thanks to a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde.

It was a dream start for the Super Eagles as a cross somehow found its way to Victor Osimhen who tucked home to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.

But four minutes later, the visitors restored parity after Gernot Rohr's men failed to clear their lines with Stopira getting on the end of a corner to make it 1-1.

In the 8th minute, Tavares headed off the bar as the Blue Sharks made their intention known on the final matchday.

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In the 27th minute, Odion Ighalo had a chance to put the Super Eagles in front again, but his header went wide.

In the 39th minute, Moreira Joao Paulo brought down Moses Simon int the danger area, and the resultant freekick was parried by goalkeeper Vozinha.

Both teams went into the break 1-1 setting up a tantalizing second 45 minutes putting fans on the edge.

The Super Eagles started the second half brightly and began to attack as quickly as possible as they search to get the lead.

In the 49th minute, Jamilu Collins's almost found Osimhen who played the encounter with all his might, but a defender was there to clear the danger.

It was until the 78th minute that Iheanacho and Aribo replaced Ighalo and Onyeka.

Despite late chances by Cape Verde, Nigeria held on to claim the vital one point they needed to qualify for the play-offs.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that former Nigerian international Augustine Eguavoen stated that Cape Verde had no chance against the Super Eagles.

When asked about possible outcome between Nigeria and Cape Verde, Eguavoen who observed the Eagles train 24 hours before kick-off told Legit.ng:

“Win (for Nigeria) Big chances... We are playing at home, in front our crowd and at own back yard.

“Cape Verde have no chance. It's easier said than done; having lost here the last time our boys responded positively against CAR in Cameroon. Our boys know that any slip won't be good for us.”