AFCON 2015 qualifier: Eagles fly past Congo’s Red Devil

Goals from Ikechukwu Uche and Aaron Samuel against Congo on Saturday have restored the Super Eagles hope of qualifying for the 2015 AFCON, which would be hosted by Equatorial Guinea.
The Stephen Keshi-led Eagles are placed second in Group A, with seven points behind South Africa, who have qualified for the tournament, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Sudan in Durban.
A win for the three-time African Champions over South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday will earn them a ticket for Equatorial Guinea 2015.
Villarreal striker Uche celebrated his long-awaited return to the Super Eagles in style when in the 59th minute he tucked away a penalty after Congo goalkeeper Massa fouled goal-bound Emmanuel Emenike.
Congo failed to draw level in the 65th minute, when Vincent Enyeama saved a penalty taken by Thievy Bifouma after Godfrey Oboabona handled a goal-bound shot inside his box.
Substitute Aaron Samuel then made the goal save for Nigeria a minute to full time when he struck from inside the box.
It was a goalless first half with home team Congo carving the bigger chances to take the lead.
In the 38th minute, Ferebory Dore smashed his shot across the face of the Nigeria goal but there was no Congo player to connect home.
Nigeria’s best chance fell to Mikel in the 22nd minute, but the Chelsea star failed to direct his header from a corner on target.