International Friendly: Eagles Beat Kenya 3-0

Nigeriaâ€s Super Eagles this evening defeated the Harambee Stars of Kenya 3-0 in a friendly match at Abuja national stadium to consolidate their recent victories in international football.

The Eagles, who only on Sunday crushed the Wayla Antelopes of Ethiopia 4-0 in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja, opened scoring through last seasonâ€s Nigeria Premier League, NPL top scorer, Ahmed Musa.

Musa, who moved from Kano Pillars to VV Venlo FC after his fantastic 2009/2010 season in the NPL, finish up a pullout from Evertonâ€s Victor Anichebe in the 4th minute.

The Kenyan team were close to scoring in the 29th minute when goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba parried a shot towards one of their strikers, but he ballooned the chance.

Just as the Coach Samson Siasia-tutored Eagles delayed their last goals till the second half of Sundayâ€s match against Ethiopia, the Nigerian team kept their fans waiting in this eveningâ€s tie with Kenya.

After missing some close chances, Anichebe, who assisted Musa for the opener, got his name on the scorerâ€s chat. The Premier League bulky player left footed the ball beyond the reach of Kenyaâ€s goalkeeper shortly after they returned from the break.

Coach Siasia, in his characteristic manner made some changes, which added some impetus to the squad in the second half. Dele Adeleye came in for skipper Joseph Yobo, while Solomon Okoronkwo,  and Real Zaragozaâ€s Ike Uche were also introduced.

Harambeeâ€s technical crew respond by bringing in Paul Were and two other players, but the visitors, led by skipper, MacDonald Mariga of Inter could not beat Nigeriaâ€s rear competently guided by Efe Ambrose and Yobo/Adeleye.

The introduction of Uche, who scored a brace against Ethiopia, paid off as the player
mesmerized his way into their opponents†rear in the extra time to net Nigeriaâ€s third goal against a hapless Kenyan side.

A happy coach Siasia said the Eagles would be decamped tomorrow to enable the players return for their various club duties, but he will be happy to see his team put up a great show against Argentina in a friendly match on 1 June this year.

By Tunde Oyedele