Brazil 2014: Osaze, Enyeama Shine as Nigeria Secures First Win
Nigeria had its first World Cup win since 1998 after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0, knocking its opponent from the World Cup after just two games.
Bosnia-Herzegovina joins Australia, Cameroon, England and Spain among the teams ousted from the World Cup.
The officiating of the match was however suspect as the referees disallowed a 20th-minute goal from Edin Dzeko which replays showed he was clearly onsides for.
Miralem Pjanic slotted a perfect pass to Dzeko who buried it past Vincent Enyeama, but the linesman incorrectly raised his flag. Nigeria also benefitted from a potential foul on its own goal — a 28th-minute strike from Peter Odemwingie.
Emmanuel Emenike used a swim move to bypass a Bosnian defender deep on the right side, knocking him down in the process. The striker then slotted the ball to Odemwingie for the goal, but again, the Bosnian players pleaded for a foul.
Bosnia also had clear cut chances but didn’t utilise them. Edin Dzeko had two golden chances in stoppage time (one with his head from the six, another with his foot from the same spot) but he couldn’t finish.
The Nigerians’ defence obstructed numerous shots from the Bosnian strikers and seemed determined to end their winless streak. The defence was outstanding, but had goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama to thank the most.
Nigeria, with four points, moves on to face group leader Argentina, which has already secured its spot in the next round.
