U23 Eagles bag AFCON ticket

Nigeria’s Dream Team on Tuesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, spanked their counterparts from Sudan 5-0 in a return leg tie to qualify for the third Africa U23 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Nigeria team handled by Imama Amapakabo thus qualified 5-1 on aggregate after they lost the first leg 1-0 in Sudan.

Taiwo Awoniyi opened scoring in the seventh minute, when he headed home off a rebound.

Ndifreke Effiong doubled the lead on 26 minutes with a powerful header into the roof of the net.

The former Akwa United star completed his brace just before halftime when he slotted home after a fine buildup play by Nigeria.

Substitute Sunday Faleye made it 4-0 with almost his first touch of the ball in the 66th minute, before the Austria-based forward assisted Sunusi Ibrahim netted the fifth goal for Nigeria two minutes later.

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Before then Olabiran, who celebrated his 21st birthday at the weekend, was denied at least twice by the brilliance of Sudan goalkeeper in the second half.

Kelechi Nwakali, who missed the first leg in Sudan, shone in the heart of the middle of the park with his wide-range of passing to take full control of the midfield battle.

Skipper Okechukwu Azubuike and Olabiran also caught the eye with the individual brilliance.

Meanwhile, only the finalists at 2019 AFCON scheduled to take place from November 8 to 22 in Egypt, will represent Africa at the men’s football tournament of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.