Ethiopia 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria had everything to lose against Ethiopia on Sunday. As Africa Cup of Nations holders,
the Super Eagles were strongly fancied to overcome a side seeking to qualify for their first ever
World Cup finals.
But the weight of expectancy can often prove the downfall of even the finest of sides and
Behalu Assafa put the hosts in front after 56 minutes of the first leg of this play-off. However,
as nerves began to jangle among the visiting support, Emmanuel Emenike stood up to be
counted.
The Fenerbahce striker scored twice in the last 23 minutes - the first a 30-yard solo effort and
the second a coolly-taken 90th minute penalty - to spare Nigeria's blushes and put them in the
driving seat ahead of the return leg.
Goal Nigeria's Lolade Adewuyi gave the 26-year-old a glowing endorsement: "Nigeria knew it
was going to be difficult in Addis Ababa due to the city's altitude, which makes it difficult for
visiting teams to play, coupled with the pace of the Walia Antelopes.
"They were highly troubled in the first half by the slick passing of the hosts, who then took the
lead via a freak cross that was adjudged to have crossed Vincent Enyeama's goal-line.
"Emmanuel Emenike rose to the challenge and scored a solo effort from almost 30 yards to get
his team back in the game.
"As the match neared its conclusion, it was Emenike's run into the Ethiopians' box that was
stopped by a tug from a defender and the same player promptly stepped up to coolly slot
home and silence the frenzied Ethiopian crowd."

The Shortlist
R. van Persie -Netherlands
@PatrickKluivert: "Great win yesterday. Holland
8-1 Hungary and congrats to Robin van Persie."
Goal's Yanick Vos: "Broke Patrick Kluivert's all-time
goalscoring record for the Netherlands with a hat-
trick."
Romelu Lukaku - Belgium
@rbaicu: "Just witnessed a great performance
from Belgium. Lukaku is a beast!"
Goal's Alec Fenn: "Scored twice to send Belgium to
World Cup 2014. Jose Mourinho must regret loaning
him out."
Andros Townsend - England
@GaryLineker: "Well done Andros Townsend and
well done Roy Hodgson for picking him."
Goal's Chris Davie: "No-one stood up to the task
against Montenegro more than Townsend, who
inspired England to a 4-1 win."
Greg Bolger - St Patrick's
@wheelo_96: "Saints on their way to winning the
league. What a goal."
Goal's Ronan Murphy: "Scored a fine strike to help
fire his side to a 2-0 win and the Airtricity Premier
Division title."

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