Lagerbäck’s Nigeria cruise past Congo DR

(GSM) – Nigeria beat Congo DR 5-2 on Wednesday in their first match with Swedish manager Lars Lagerbäck at the helm.

Lagerbäck, who joined the Super Eagles after his home team Sweden failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, saw his new side deliver a solid performance at Abuja stadium.

Peter Utaka put the Africans ahead on 11 minutes and Osas Idehem made it 2-0 in the 28th. When Chinedjn Ezimorah added a third three minutes later, the match was all but decided.

Mbenza Bedi pulled one back for the guests shortly before the break, but Victor Nsofor Obinna restored the gap seven minutes into the second half, 4-1.

Osas Idehem netted Nigeria’s fifth in the 65th minute, and Bedi got his second of the night six minutes later for a 5-2 final result.

Nigeria, who are drawn into Group B in South Africa, open against Argentina on June 12 and face Greece and Korea Republic in their remaining group games.