Nigeria defeat Tanzania to close in on U-23 AFCON qualification

Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles on Saturday evening defeated Tanzania 2-0 to secure a 3-1 aggregate win in their 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualification clash.

Both teams went into the return leg match at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan level on a 1-1 aggregate score from the first leg in Dar Es Salaam last weekend.

In front of a capacity crowd in Ibadan, the Coach Salisu Yusuf tutored Olympic Eagle’s failed to score despite dominating play and creating several goal scoring opportunities.

That changed in the second half as Oluwatimilehin Abiodun and skipper Success Makanjuoala got the goals to secure the win for Nigeria.

First, Oluwatimilehin Abiodun curled home a free kick wobbled into the Tanzanian goal by their goalkeeper in the 62nd minute of play.

Nigeria U-23 Eagles skipper Success Makanjuoala extended the lead to 2-0 when he scored from 18-yards, his second of the tie after scoring in the first leg.

It finished 2-0 in favour of Nigeria who will proceed to the third qualifying round for the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations tournament.

Nigeria have always qualified for the U-23 AFCON which serves as qualification path to the Olympic games.

The 2023 edition of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament will be hosted by Morroco.