U-23 AFCON: Nigeria beats Tanzania to reach final qualifying round

Nigeria progressed into the final round of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after beating Tanzania 2-0 in the second leg of their encounter on Saturday.

The Salisu Yusuf-inspired team and Tanzania had played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Dar es Salaam last Saturday.

The second leg, which took place in the Lekan Salami Stadium, saw the young Nigerians advance 3-1 on aggregate, thanks to goals from Tolu OmoJesu Ogunniyi and Success Makanjuola.

In the early minutes of the thrilling encounter, Goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu used his big frame to deny Mundhai Vuai in a point blank position.

A few minutes later, Nigeria’s Daniel Wotlai had a clear chance to score but slipped.

Ibrahim Sunusi came alive as he invented a chance for himself.

Tanzania should have silenced the home fans in the 50th minute but failed to score.

On the hour mark, OmoJesu drew the curtain raiser from his trademark free kick. The former Sunshine Stars man blasted the ball to the top corner.

The Nigerian team was awarded a penalty kick after OmoJesu went on a good run but was tackled by Khatibu Kombo.

Success Makanjuola sent the strike to the back of the net.

The Nigerian boys will most likely face Guinea, who had a walk over against Uganda, in the final round of qualifiers next year.