Portugal celebrate their victory against Nigeria (©UEFA)Portugal grateful to João Pedro
Friday, 4 February 2005
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PrintBy Eric Asomugha at Özer Türk stadium
A strike from Portuguese defender João Pedro early in the second half gave his side a narrow victory against Nigeria in Kusadasi on the opening day of the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup.
Composed finish
The FC Porto player scored the only goal of the game six minutes into the second period, springing the Nigerian side's attempted offside trap and shooting past the exposed goalkeeper Okemute Odah to earn his team three points in an even contest. Portugal, along with the three other European contenders in the competition, made winning starts to their campaigns and will look to record a second victory against Egypt – 3-2 losers against hosts Turkey today – on Sunday, while Nigeria will hope to bounce back against the tournament hosts in Soke.
Portugal pressure
Nigeria, who only arrived for the tournament on Thursday night, began somewhat sluggishly, looking to avoid conceding an early goal. Portugal took advantage of their opponents' early lethargy to take control of the match, with António Ferreira's pass almost picking out Felíciano Assunção inside the Nigerian penalty area in the third minute.
Chukwudi goes close
The European side continued to enjoy the upper hand, although Nigeria created perhaps the best chance of the first half in the 20th minute. Oluseyi Olusegun beat two defenders and crossed into the centre, but Samuel Ifeanyi Chukwudi was unable to connect with the goal gaping. The opportunity inspired the Nigerians, who began to impose themselves more on the match but without ever really threatening to open the scoring.
Long-distance efforts
Although they had held the upper hand in the early exchanges, Portugal were unable to find an opening in the resolute Nigerian rearguard, and were largely restricted to shooting from distance. Julien Araújo tried his luck more than once but Nigerian captain Odah was equal to his efforts.
Set-piece chances
The second period began in more balanced fashion, although the European side saw more of the ball and created more genuine goalscoring opportunities. João Pedro had two presentable sights of the target, both following left-wing corners, but on each occasion his shot from in front of goal flew over the crossbar.
Volley off target
However, the same player did put Portugal in front a minute after the second of those opportunities, finishing clinically from inside the penalty area. Nigeria might have been level within a minute, counterattacking swiftly to work a shooting chance for Bello Musa Kofarmata but, with only Portuguese goalkeeper Igor Araújo to beat, the forward volleyed too high.
Portugal in control
That proved to be Nigeria's last real chance, as Portugal regained the ascendancy thereafter but without really threatening to score a second goal. It matter little, however, as Carlos Dinis' side had already done enough to ensure their campaign began in victorious fashion.
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