Four days after the Super Eagles poor showing in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, the national U-23 team, handled by Samson Siasia, yesterday in Congo restored Nigeria’s pride.
The Dream Team VI quest to dominate the All Africa Games soccer event remains on course as the coach Samson Siasia led squad beat traditional rivals Ghana 2-0 in yesterday’s group B match at the Kintele Stadium.
Junior Ajayi and Kingsley Sokari scored in the second half of the game, which was Nigeria’s opening match after Egypt pulled out its soccer teams from the event.
Ghana who are the defending champions hardly troubled the Under-23 Eagles. Both teams fought for dominance of the game, but it was Nigeria with a better team understand that dominated. Junior Ajayi calmed the nerves of the team, when he coolly finished off a cross by Etor Daniel in the 55 minutes.
There was no serious fight back from the Ghanaians, and the Eagles pressed on to consolidate their lead. They sealed their victory with a goal, which came off the boots of Sokari in the dying minutes of the encounter. It was from an excellent combination with Captain Ikechukwu Azubuike whose pass brought Sokari face to face with Richarcd Ofori in goal for Ghana. Sokari chipped the ball over the on rushing keeper to kill off the game.
Nigeria is topping the group, while Ghana and Senegal have a point each. Nigeria will play Senegal in the next game to determine who tops the group.
