Nigeria’s Dream Team VI surprised bookmakers by pulling 1-0 victory over their highly-rated Senagalese counterparts.
The Senegalese U-23, which won all their group-state matches and topped their group at nine points were favoured by pundits to overcome the Nigerian team for the final match and one of the three Rio Olympics ticket.
But it was the Nigerians who came out victorious. . Etebo Oghenekaro’s strike in the 76th minute from the penalty spot ensured that Siasia’s men qualified for Rio 2016 Olympics.
Senegale came out smoking and could have mortally hurt the Nigerians but for the gallant saves of Nigerian goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniels.
Nigeria’s goal came off a penalty which was awarded to Nigerian when one of the Senegalese players handled a goal-bound ball. He was sent off and the resultant penalty was what separated the two teams.
Senegal had a penalty awarded to it earlier in the game saved by Daniels, which put up a vastly improved display in the Wednesday match.
Nigeria will square up with the winner of Algeria vs South Africa second semi-final, which was about to kick off at the time oof filing this report on Wednesday.
Final seven minutes:
Team List: Nigeria: Daniel Emmanuel (GK), Effiong Ndifreke, Seth Sincere, Amaefule Chizoba, Oduduwa Segun, Mohammed Usman, Godspower Aniefiok, Tiongoli Tombra, Etebo Oghenekaro (C), Ajayi Junior, Kufre Ebong
90+5′ Referee blows the final whistle! Nigeria lands in Rio Olympics and are through to the final of the U-23 African Nations Cup. What a game! It ended, Senegal 0 – 1 Nigeria.
90+4′ The Senegalese are now over ambitious, but their latest effort was allowed to roll to touch.
90+3′ The resulting freekick was headed wide!
90+2′ Etebo commits a foul just at the edge of the Nigerian area. This could be Senegal’s last chance!
90+1′ Senegal with another tame effort as the clock continues to tick against them.
90′ Five minutes added-on!
89′ The Dream Team are already dreaming the final as well as Olympics, as they continue to knock the ball around just to make sure they keep possession. The introduction of Osimhen for Nigeria has really paid-off.
