U-23 AFCON: Dropped Sokari Backs Nigeria In “War” Against Algeria

Samson Siasia led his team to a 1-0 win against hosts Senegal on Wednesday to set up a final against the North Africans who themselves like Nigeria confirmed participation at the 2016 Olympics with a 2-0 defeat of the South African U-23 side.

But the Teranga Cubs spurned a great chance to break the deadlock in first-half stoppage-time when a timidly struck Ibrahima Sory Keita penalty was blocked by Emmanuel Daniel.

AmaGlug-Glug will play against host Senegal on Saturday for the bronze medal and a spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Etebo Oghenekaro scored the penalty after Ousseynou Thioune brought down Nigeria’s Eyo Ebong who was aiming for goal.

Chile 2015 U-17 World Cup hero, Victor Osimhen, made his debut for the U-23 Eagles at the semifinal of the African round of the Olympic Games qualifiers against Senegal… yesterday. They however defied the non-payment of their allowances and bonuses to reach the championship game of the U23 AFCON. They beat us but we were not at full strength, because we were without Gift Motupa and Menzi Masuku.

“We have not been paid a kobo yet”, had lamented a player of the team.

“The boys are very disappointed because things didn’t go our way tonight, but we have to pick ourselves up as we still have another opportunity to qualify, and another opportunity to get back at Senegal who beat us in the first match”.

“I think “the gods of football” were with my team today because Senegal created most of the chances but they failed to score”, admitted the Nigeria coach.

The final will be played 8pm Nigerian time at the Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar.