U-17 AFCON: Nigeria claims hard-fought win over Zambia in group B opener

Favour Daniel scored a 76th minute goal to help Nigeria claim a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia in the opening game clash of the 2023 U-17 AFCON on Sunday evening.

The game in Constantine saw the Golden Eaglets dominate proceedings for most periods and will hold their heads high as deserving winners.

Nigerian full-backs Emmanuel Michael and Yahaya Lawali were fantastic as they complemented the teams attack very well.

Team captain Precious Williams was a torn in the Zambians who had the offside flag to thank for not conceding an early goal.

The Young Chipolopolo grew into the game as the half wore on but could not find a way past Golden Eaglets goalkeeper Richard Odoh. The Zambians came closest to scoring when they hit the crossbar in the closing stages of the first half.

Nigeria started the second half in control of the game but failed to find the all-important opener that they needed to assert their control. Zambia had the better chance of scoring but Odoh pulled off an impressive save to keep the match scoreless.

In the 76th minute, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets finally got the breakthrough. A short corner kick resulted in Michael whipping a shot which took a rebound before falling graciously to winger Abdullahi Abubakar in the box. The youngsters goal bound effort came off the hand of a Zambian defender for Favour Daniel to sweep home for the match-winner.

The Young Chipolopolo threatened in attack after going behind but once again failed to work Odoh in the Nigerian goal.

With the game approaching its conclusion, coach Ugbade opted to send in highly-rated young forward Light Eke in place of captain Williams. Eke showed good control and trickery on the ball with his first few touches of the ball.

In the closing stages, the Golden Eaglets launched a counterattack that saw the lively Abdullahi pushed to the ground inside the box. Eke stepped up to take the penalty but saw a very weak effort saved by the Zambian goalkeeper.

Nigeria held on for an impressive win to start their campaign in Algeria, heading to the top of Group B ahead of the other match between Morocco and South Africa.

Impressive right-back Lawali was named Man of the Match after a brilliant showing for the Nduka Ugbade tutored Eaglets.