Played in front of a scant crowd at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, the match failed to live up to its billing as neither side threatened each other's goal. Swaziland came into the match having eliminated Djibouti 8-1 on aggregate in the first round and was expected to take the game to Nigeria but despite a lot of huffing and puffing, neither side created much.
A bit physical, the match led to an injury for Genk striker Moses Simon after an aerial clash with Felix Badenhorst, leading to him needing a head bandage. After that, the Swazi's had their first real chance to score but Sabelo Ndzinisa’s long range effort did not threaten goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.
Nigeria’s first clear chance came in the 27th minute when Ogenyi Onazi’s free kick was expertly saved by goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu who held firm to deny Sylvester Igbonu and Odion Ighalo from wreaking havoc. Faced with a knobby artificial turf, the Super Eagles tried to control the game with Ahmed Musa and Simon’s pace upfront, fashioning another chance after just four minutes which Ighalo failed to convert.
Shortly afterwards, Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi combined after a fine surging run from Sylvester Igbonu but Musa's shot was blocked by Siyanbonga Mdluli. After that, the hosts also had a sight on goal in the 31st minute when Badenhorst ‘s loose kick presented Ndlovu with the chance to run at Nigeria’s back four but the ball eventually fell to Godfrey Oboabona who cleared it to safety.
In the second half, the Eagles made an early change with Rabiu Ibrahim replacing Igbonu but unfortunately for him he was also hurled off 20 minutes after his introduction and replaced with Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho. In the 71st minute, Obafemi Martins came on for Mikel Obi and brought life to the Eagles’ attack.
His major impact in the game came in the 83rd minute when he breezed into Swaziland’s backline and provided Ighalo with a low pass but the Watford striker lost possession to the hosts. After that, Nigeria had the initiative and Swaziland was reduced to shots from range, with Pamla firing just wide of the upright.
Nigeria will now host Swaziland in the second leg on Tuesday at the Adokiye Amesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt with the winner moving to the group stage of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Although Nigeria are favourites to go through, the shambolic performance will worry coach Sunday Oliseh as his team is not playing with any cohesion.
Line-up:
Carl Ikeme
Shehu Abdullahi
Elderson Echiejile
Efe Ambrose
Godfrey Oboabona
Mikel Obi
Ogenyi Onazi
Sylvester Igboun
Ahmed Musa (C)
Simon Moses
Odion Ighalo
Subs:
Rabiu Ibrahim (45th minute)
Kelechi Iheanacho (66th minute)
Obafemi martins (71st minute)
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