Dream Team in slim win over Congo

Nigeria U-23 team, the Dream Team, beat Congo 2-1 in the Olympic qualifier first leg match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

After a scoreless first half, Junior Ajayi finally put Nigeria ahead in the 48th minute capitalising on goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi’s error from a Godwin Saviour shot.

The Shooting Stars striker completed his brace in the 54th minute heading home a low cross from Etor Daniel’s assist.

Congo, though, pulled a goal back through Moise Nkonkou in the 66th minute.

The Dream Team’s opportunity to restore their two-goal cushion was ignored by the Kenyan referee who overlooked a penalty appeal in the 59th minute. TV replay showed it should have been given as Etebo Oghenekaro’s shot was handled by a Congo defender inside the box.

The return comes up in a fortnight in Pointe-Noire.