By Jacob Ajom

Home-based Super Eagles romped over Niger Republic 4-0 yesterday to become the first team to qualify for the semi final of the second edition of the 2011 WAFU Cup tournament going on in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria.

The match started under very hot tropical weather which was of no good to both sides, but the Eagles  were able to adjust and set about their mission early in the match. Bartholomew Ibenegbu opened scores for Nigeria in the third minute of play after combining well with fast rising star, Ekigho Ehiosun and Uzoenyi Chrisantus. The Menas of Niger came close to scoring after a defensive blunder by the Eagles in the 7th minute played in a Malian attacker whose effort forced a beautiful save from Sunday Rotimi in goal for Nigeria.

The Eagles

Bartholomew Ibenegbu doubled the scores for Nigeria in the 36th minute with a beautiful header off a cross from Uzoenyi who was operating from the left flank. The first half ended with the Nigerians two goals up.

In the second stanza, coach Samson Siasia sent in Agwocha White in place of injured captain, Chibuzo Okonkwo. The Nigerians continued from where they stopped when Ekigho Ehiosun entered the scorers’ sheet with a beautiful header in the 57th minute.

Substitute Agwuocha White completed the rout with a late strike to make it 4-0 for the Super Eagles who were by far the better team.