UCHE BROTHERS GIVE KESHI FIRST WIN

Kalu
Nigeria's Super Eagles, yesterday, had their first victory under Coach Stephen Keshi after surviving a rare fight from Africa Cup of Nations finalists, Zambia to record a 2-0 victory in Kaduna.

Two goals from the Uche brothers – Kalu and Ike – were all the Nigerian team needed to redeem it image, having played a goalless draw in its first friendly duel against Botswana in Benin at the weekend.

Eagles were uninspiring on a day captain Joseph Yobo equalled Nigeria's appearance record. Yobo exhibited a commanding Man of the Match performance yesterday.

The first goal was all about Ahmed Musa's pace. In the ninth minute, Taye Taiwo's free-kick came off the wall and found Fegor Ogude, who slipped Musa through.

Musa's pace got him behind, and his cutback found Kalu Uche, who scored.

The Chipolopolo of Zambia finished the first half stronger, especially in the midfield.

On the 74th minute, Nigeria Premier League's top scorer, Jude Aneke, came on for Emmanuel Emenike for his first cap in the senior national team.

Ike Uche scored the second with a screamer on the 90th minute to complete a nervy, but resolute win for the Super Eagles.

Zambia XI: K. Mweene, F. Kasonde, S. Sunzu, N. Mulenga, J. Musonda, C. Katongo, W. Njobvu, F. Katongo, C. Mbesuma, E. Mayuka, R. Kalaba

Nigeria XI: Enyeama, Ambrose, Yobo, Taiwo, Adeleye, Etuhu, Ogude, Joel Obi, K. Uche, Musa, Emenike.