The Manchester City forward's brilliant strike handed coach Gernot Rohr a winning start in charge of the Super Eagles against the Taifa Stars.
Gernot Rohr claimed his first win as Nigeria coach as his men saw off Tanzania 1-0 in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho's lone strike was all the hosts needed to see off the strong-willed Taifa Stars who came to Uyo with the ambition of shocking the Super Eagles.
The visitors posted some threats inside the hosts' half in the opening five minutes, but Rohr’s team reclaimed possession and dictated the pace of the game.
Despite the dominance, Nigeria failed to convert clear cut chances with Victor Moses the major culprit as he spurned glorious chances while Odion Ighalo looking very tired against Charles Mkwasa’s side.
Aside from the comedy of misses, Aishi Manula was at his best to keep the game scoreless with breathtaking saves.
However, the pressure paid off in the 77th minute as Iheanacho gave his side the lead with an audacious strike. He finds space outside the Taifa Stars’ defence before unleashing an unstoppable missile past goalkeeper Manula.
Nigeria pushed harder for more goals but the Taifa Star’s held their nerves to keep the score line decent. Even with the win, the Super Eagles will not be featuring in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
