Nigeria overcame the hurdle of Bosnia-Herzegovina by a scoreline of 1-0 to remain on course for a qualification as the second team after Argentina from Group F. Bosnia would consider them rather unfortunate foe their failure to go through in spite of putting up a great show against both Argentina and Nigeria.
The Bosnians led in the attack by Manchester City-man Edin Dzeko began the match in great fashion as they gave a tough time to the Nigerian defenders. In the 21st minute Dzeko had found the back of the bet but it was ruled out as the linesman put his flag up for an offside. However replays showed that Dzeko was more than a yard onside and it was yet another dubious refereeing that had let a team down. Bosnia shook off the incident and once again up against the Africans but to no fruitful result. Nigeria then took the lead in the 29th minute much against the run of play when Peter Odemwingie scored from close range. The Bosnians were furious as they urged for a free-kick for a foul on Spahic by Emenike who eventually passed the ball on Odemwingie’s path to score the goal and at the end of the first half it was 1-0 for the Nigerians. It was hard for the Bosnians to digest that for they had been better on the field but they did not have the desired result to show for it.
The second half went goalless as neither of the teams could get it past their opponent and find the goal. The match ended with Nigeria winning 1-0 riding on the lone goal from Odemwingie leaving the Bosnians completely dejected.
However Nigeria is not also assured of a place in the last 16. A win for Iran against Bosnia and a defeat for Nigeria against Argentina in the last matches in the group stage will see the mighty Africans bowing out of the tournament. In that case Iran will become the second team to qualify from Group F after the argentines.
Tags: Brazil world cup Edin Dzeko FIFA world cup 2014 Nigeria Nigeria beat Bosnia-Herzegovina Peter Odemwingie world cup World Cup 2014 world cup 2014 news
