Nigerian national U23 team, the Olympic Eagles, boosted their chances of qualifying for the semi-final round of the 2019 CAF U23 Cup of Nations currently ongoing in Egypt after beating the Zambian U23 team 3-1 on the evening of Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
Nigeria’s Orji Okonkwo cancelled out Patson Daka’s opener for the Zambians in the first half before goals from Kelechi Nwakali and Taiwo Awoniyi sealed victory for the Nigerian side at the Al-Salam Stadium.
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Coach Imama Amapakabo made some changes to the starting lineup that lost to Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Mainz 05 of Germany striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Istanbul Basaksehir of Turkey midfielder, Azubuike Okechukwu – who both joined the team on Sunday (November 10) – were handed starting roles.
The Zambians drew the first blood when Emmanuel Banda set up Daka to gift them the lead just 12 minutes into the encounter. An Ibrahim Sunusi’s pass located Orji Okonkwo, who spared little time in firing the ball past Mangani Banda to hand Nigeria the equalizer in the 16th minute.
Nigerian shot-stopper, Adamu Abubakar, was put to test in the 44th minute but a brilliant save from the goaltender would ensure the first 45 minutes ended in a stalemate. Nigeria hit the ground running after the commencement of the second-half but Kelechi Nwakali’s free kick slightly missed the target. An injury would force Okonkwo out of the game as he was replaced by Sunday Faleye in the 62nd minute while the Eagles pressed on for a second goal.
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The persistence of the defending champions paid off in the 65th minute of the encounter when Nwakali’s goal put Nigeria ahead before Awoniyi sealed victory moments before the end of the game with a third goal for Nigeria. With this win, Nigeria now climbs to second spot in Group B ahead of their last group game against South Africa on Friday, November 15, 2019.
Source:
Goal
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