U-23 AFCON: Olympic Eagles Outclass Zambia

Olympic Eagles got their Tokyo 2020 ambition back on the way with a classy 3-1 victory over Zambia at the Africa U-23 championship in Egypt.

Zambia started the game motivated with Enoch Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka running the show.

The Southern Africans deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute with Pata Daka finishing off a spectacular attacking move.
Nigeria raised their game and responded three minutes later through Orji Okonkwo who finishes from close-range after a tempting corner kick from Ibrahim Sunusi.

It was all levelled at the interval with Nigeria knocking the ball around seamlessly while their counterparts threatens via counter attacks.

Former Golden Eaglets captain, Kelechi Nwakali won a dangerous free-kick just few minutes after the hour mark and the ex-Arsenal prodigy reminded everyone of his deadly old tricks with a sumptuous deadball to the surprise of stagnant Zambia goalkeeper Emmanuel Banda.

Zambia became more desperate as they threw men forward in their numbers searching for equalizer but were buried on the dot of injury time when Liverpool Loanee Taiwo Awoniyi rounded off the onrushing goalkeeper to seal a comprehensive victory for the defending Champions.

By Olamide Oyetunji