Nigeria Beats Algeria 2-1 to Lift U-23 Trophy

 

Nigeria's U-23 football team, otherwise known as the Dream Team VI have emerged the champions in the African U-23 Cup of Nations which held at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar, Senegal.

Nigria defeated Algerian in a 2-1 victory to lift the trophy and also book a place in the Rio Olympics holding in Brazil in 2016.

Etebo Oghenekaro, the competition’s top scorer repeated his fluency and brilliance in front of goal as he scored the goals that handed the Dream Team VI their first Africa U-23 diadem.

The dogged north Africans got a life line as Segun Oduduwa nodded home Zinedine Ferhat’s cross but the Nigerians stayed stanch  with goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel saving Ferhat’s penalty in the second half.

Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia handed a surprise start to FIFA U-17 World Cup star, Victor Osimhen in attack and the youngster repaid the trust by earning his side a penalty after 13 minutes after Algeria captain Ryad Keniche fouled him in the box.

On 68 minutes,  Algeria were rewarded a penalty after Ndifreke Effiong fouled Amokrane in the vital area, but Nigeria goalie Daniel made light work of Ferhat’s shot from the short distance with a calm save.

Nigeria held on to claim victory to cap an impressive outing at the tournament which served as the continental qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games