Nigeria keep up perfect record

Nigeria consolidated their leadership of Group Four of the qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup with a 4-1 trouncing of Sierra Leone here on Saturday.

The Super Eagles finished their second round qualifying group with a maximum 18 points from six matches while Sierra Leone finished with seven points.

Nigeria have now qualified for the draw for the third round of the qualifying tournament, which also serves for the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola, which will be staged in Zurich on October 22.

The home team opened scoring in the 19th minute through midfielder Christian Obodo when he slotted home after a goalmouth scramble.

However, Sierra Leone were level after 33 minutes when an misunderstanding between central defenders Joseph Yobo and John Shittu saw Yobo conceded an own-goal.

Nigeria restored their lead two minutes later when Beijing Olympics star Obinna Nsofor netted his team's second goal before Osaze Odemwingie increased the Eagles advantage with another fine effort in first half stoppage time.

Russia-based defender Chidi Odiah scored the best goal of the day when his clean strike from outside the box beat the Sierra Leonian goalkeeper.