Big Boys' To Return In SeptemberNEW kid on the block, Gabriel Reuben of Kano Pillars won the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) yesterday, as the Super Eagles defeated the Amavubi of Rwanda 2-0 in Calabar to qualify for the next round of the 2013 African Nations Cup competition.Reuben, whose goal helped the Eagles to a 1-1 draw against the Flames of Malawi in Blantyre in a 2014 World Cup qualifier last weekend, was again, the toast of the fans in yesterday's game.Even Coach Stephen Keshi could not hide his feelings, when he declared that Reuben made him proud in the game. 'This is a result of the trust I have on the home boys,' he retorted.According to Keshi, the Rwandans went into the game with a plan to choke the midfield. 'That makes it difficult for my players to play their game, but the Eagles showed why they have been together training for a long time.'He stated that he would re-assess and rejig the team before the next round of the qualifiers begin. He said that the players would go on break to come back for the last round in September. Keshi also said that he would bring in the 'big boys' in September.After a not-too-impressive performance in their last two qualifying games, the stakes were raised high for the Nigerian side.Keshi rang the changes as John Utaka, Victor Moses and Juwon Oshaniwa were dropped to the bench.The home side dominated early on and was rewarded, as Ikechukwu Uche profited from some poor defending in the Rwanda box to score from an Ahmed Musa corner in the 7th minute.With the Amavubi failing to clear their lines, the Granada striker fired a low shot past goalkeeper, Jean Claude Ndole to give Nigeria an early advantage.The Super Eagles dominated the rest of the half with the visitors failing to offer any real threat.The Nigerians knew a goal by Rwanda in the second half would threaten their chances of further progression in the qualifying games and quickly went on the offensive after the break.A probing cross into the Rwanda penalty area in the 54th minute was met by Kalu Uche whose deft chest control was finished emphatically by Ahmed Musa's volley from the edge of the box as Nigeria extended their advantage.After conceding the second goal, the Rwandans came back strong but the Super Eagles held on to record an important victory in their match to the 2013 Africa Cup in South Africa next year.
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