Nigeria thrash depleted Argentina
Reuters - Wednesday 01 June 2011, 20:55
ABUJA - Nigeria registered their biggest
win over a major footballing country by thrashing a depleted
Argentina side 4-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.
Ike Uche scored twice but the handsome victory margin was
tempered by the fact Argentina played with just two players who
are in their provisional squad for the upcoming Copa America.
A 10th-minute goal from Uche began the rout as Nigeria
rolled over listless opponents who seemed to wilt quickly in the
steamy conditions.
Victor Obinna converted a hotly-contested penalty 17 minutes
later before Uche scored the third in the 40th minute, heading
home unmarked at the back post after a strong run from Obinna
and a perfect cross from Taye Taiwo.
"We knew Argentina had good players and we knew we had to
score early to have any chance. This is a big morale booster for
us," Uche told SuperSport television.
"Let's not take anything away from the importance of this
win," added Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo.
Emanuel Emunike crowned the night with a deft lob over the
goalkeeper's head as Argentina's defence was caught flatfooted
again eight minutes into the second half.
Argentina, ranked fifth in the world, were handed an equally
controversial penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time and
Mauro Boselli scored with the last kick of the match.
The absence of Lionel Messi and strict security around the
stadium meant Abuja's 60,000-seater National Stadium was half
empty.