Osimhen And Nwakali Hand Flying Eagles Victory

 

Nigeria defeated Burundi 2-1 in Saturday’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played at the UJ Esuene Stadium Calabar. Second half goals from Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali handed the defending African champions a hard earned win as Ndikumana Magloire’s strike counted as mere consolation.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his players celebrated with justifiable delight after overcoming the east Africans in Bujumbura and many had expected them to stroll past the Young Swallows. The Flying Eagles almost went ahead in the seventh minute, with Osimhen steering Michael Kingsley’s pass but the Burundians cleared their lines immediately.

Agbor Chukwudi, however put the hosts ahead in the 31st minute but his effort was ruled for an offside. After a barren first half, Amuneke’s boys increased the pressure and deservedly got the lead in the 70th minute via Osimhen’s penalty kick.

The Wolfsburg player coolly converted from the penalty mark after Samuel Chukwueze was fouled in the Young Swalow’s goal area. With seven minutes left to play, capatain Nwakali doubled his side’s lead with a well taken free kick , while the visitors got a consolation through Magloire.

Nigeria U20 qualify 3-1 on aggregate and will face Sudan in the last round of qualifier. The first leg takes place in Sudan between July 8-10 2016, while the second leg holds in Calabar between 22-24 of the same month.