WAFU Cup: Nigeria qualify for group stage

Scorer of Nigeria's first goal, Osas Okoro (left) takes on a Sierra Leonean player during their WAFU Cup clash on Monday night at the Cape Coast Stadium, Ghana.

Nigeria on Monday night scored two late goals at the Cape Coast Stadium, Ghana, against Sierra Leone to qualify for the group stage of the ongoing 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The Sierra Leoneans gave the home-based Super Eagles a fight until in the 84th minute when Rangers’ Osas Okoro broke the deadlock situation.
Three minutes later, the Salisu Yusuf side sealed their victory through substitute Peter Eneji of the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Plateau United.
Nigeria alongside hosts Ghana, Mali and Guinea will now battle for the semi-final tickets in group A at the Takoradi Stadium, while Senegal, Niger Republic have also qualified, to play in group B at Cape Coast alongside winners of the Ivory Coast/Togo and Benin Republic/Cape Verde play-offs.
Nigeria paraded Ikechukwu Ezenwa; Osas Okoro, Chima Akas, Emmanuel Ariwachukwu, Stephen Eze; Azeez Aremu, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Samuel Mathias, Rabiu Ali, Tony Okpotu and Kingsley Eduwo on the startling line up against Sierra Leone.
Mali had in the first game of the day hammered Mauritania 3-1 to also advance in the revived sub-regional championship.
Mali took the lead in the 29th minute through before Samba Chiekh equalised for Mauritania in the 36th minute, but a brace from Moussa Kone in the 88th and 91st minute ensured Mali’s passage to the group stage.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will begin the group campaign on Thursday, September 14 against the hosts, Ghana.