By: El-amisty Nobo
Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie’s 29th minute finish gave the Super Eagles of Nigeria a refreshing bitters in Group F as they egged out Bosnia Herzegovina by 1 – 0 at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba.
Bosnia who gave Argentina a hell of time in their opening gave Nigeria some hopes of qualification and a maiden World Cup victory in sixteen years since they last did in France 98 but were lucky Eden Dzeko’s earlier effort had wrongly been adjudged offside.
The West Africans now sit second in Group F with their final game against group leaders Argentina. Nigeria came into the game with lots of promise after drawing their first game with the lackluster Iranian side who also gave Argentina a run for their money in their second match.
Stephen Keshie played Peter Odemwingie who did not start in their first game against Iran and his marauding flanks down the flanks with Ahmed Musa did the magic for Nigeria.
The Bosnia’s sat at the back peddle and countered the Nigerians on the break with the fast pace Hajrovic, Haris Medunjanin and Muhamed Besic pulling the strings from the middle.
However, Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko rifled one passed Vincent Enyeama in the 20th minute but it was adjudged to be offside though replays showed that it was rather a perfect goal as the striker was way onside when the ball was played through.
With Bosnia gaining confidence in the game, Peter Odemwingie bumped from nowhere to notch home the opening goal from Emenike’s cross in the 26th minute. The goal erupted controversy as Emenike seemed to have cluttered skipper, Spahic’s heels before gaining advantage on the ball.
Busy Ahmed Musa later in the half scratched Amir Begovic in post for Bosnia palms with a thunder bolt but the goalie was equal to the task.
The second half saw Bosnia attacking more whiles Stephen Keshie’s side sat back to contain Bosnia. With just 15 minutes to go, Ibisevic nearly scored his second World Cup goal when Misimovic’s corner found him in the box only for the striker to head the ball over the bar.
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