Tahiti vs. Nigeria: Confederations Cup Live Score, Highlights, Recap
FIFA Confederations Cup Group B—Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
FT Score: Nigeria 6-1 Tahiti (Oduamadi x3, Elderson, Vallar o.g.,Tehau o.g.) (Tehau)
Nigeria head to the top of Group B after a victory over Tahiti in Belo Horizonte. The Super Eagles stole the lead with a flurry of early goals, before Tahiti achieved the unthinkable and responded through Jonathan Tehau just after halftime.
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For a period, the African champions looked in disarray, with their confidence shattered by the unlikely goal. However, they showed their true class, and Tahiti's inferiority was evident, though a late smattering of goals.
Nigeria top the group and the islanders are the competition's darlings, but goals for either side haven't masked their inadequacies.
Look for more analysis and coverage on Bleacher Report over the coming hours and days.
Team News
Nigeria: Enyeama, Ambrose, Echiejile, Omeruo, Oboabona, Ogude, Mikel Obi, Mba, Musa, Ujah, Oduamadi.
Tahiti: Samin, A Tehau, Vahirua, Ludivion, Caroine, Bourebare, Vallar, Chong Hue, Aitamai, J Tehau, Simon
Africa's champions, Nigeria, open their Confederations Cup campaign with a clash against tournament outsiders Tahiti. The islanders may be way down in the FIFA World Rankings, but they will doubtless relish the chance to compete in a major international tournament.
Nigeria have had problems of their own since winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa earlier in the year. Coach Stephen Keshi has had long-running disputes with the players and the federation, while World Cup qualifying results have been less than convincing. The team's recent threat to boycott the event in the face of the Nigeria Football Federation's decision to cut their bonuses may have seriously undermined their preparation.
Nonetheless, they will be boldly confident of recording a win against a Tahiti side manned by amateurs. They will look to start their tournament strongly, knowing that Uruguay and, particularly, world champions Spain lie in wait.
I will be covering the event live here with Bleacher Report, as well as on Twitter: @Eddydove
Join me for what promises to be an engrossing evening.
In the meantime, check out some excellent work ahead of tonight's clash:
