The Olympic Eagles rallied back from a goal down to beat Zambia 3-1 in their second Group B game of the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations at the Al Salam Stadium on Tuesday night , reports Completesports.com.
It was a remarkable performance from the Nigerian lads who bounced back from the 1-0 loss to Cote d’l lvoire in their first game.
Zambia went into the lead in the 11th minute after Patson Daka fired the ball beyond Adamu Abubakar.
The lead lasted only six minutes before Orji Okonkwo equalised for Nigeria from a corner kick.
Stephen Bitok was booked for a foul around the Nigeria box in the 21st minute as the Eagles struggled to cope with the pace of of Zambia’s talisman Fashion Sakala.
Taiwo Awoniyi directed a weak header at the Zambia goalkeeper towards the end of the first half, while Zambia responded with a fine effort which was brilliantly saved by Abubakar.
The pattern of play continued after the break with both teams attacking at every opportunity.
Goal scorer, Okonkwo was replaced by Sunday Faleye in the 62nd minute after picking up an injury.
Nigeria took the lead for the first time in the game in the 65th minute after Kelechi Nwakali neatly placed a free kick from the edge of the box into the net.
Nwakali was replaced by Aliyu Adamu 14 minutes from time as the Nigerians adopted a more defensive approach in the later part of the game.
Awoniyi scored the third goal for Nigeria in added time.
In the other game in the group, South Africa edged out Cote d’l voire 1-0.
Imama Amapakabo’s charges will face South Africa in their final Group B on Friday.
By Adeboye Amosu
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