The Super Eagles of Nigeria have secured a place in the 2022 World Cup qualifier play-off after bagging a vital point in a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, Tuesday.
The Super Eagles stayed top of the Group C with 13 points to ensure they qualify for the last phase of the qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.
Victor Oshimen shot Nigeria into an early lead in just few seconds after the blast of the whistle. However, the lead only lasted for five minutes as Stopira pulled Cape Verde level after he found the back of the net.
Odion Ighalo, who made his second debut missed a glorious scoring chance in the 26th minute to put Nigeria ahead for the second time in the game.
Though the Super Eagles dominated the match from the start till the end, the Cape Verde goalkeeper, Ryan Mendes, was at his best to ensure that each side shared the spoils of war.
Nigeria is now through to play in the play-off of the World Cup qualifiers against a yet-to-be-known team.
However, they will be joining early ticket bookers: Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo, Mali and Morocco.
The 10 group winners are expected to go through to the play-off stage. In the end, five victors are expected to emerge from two-legged home-and-away ties.