Olympic Eagles will face Guinea in the final round of the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March next year after defeating Tanzania 2-0 in the second leg on Saturday, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Guinea qualified for the final playoff after their opponents Uganda withdrew from the qualifiers.
The reverse fixture, which was played at the Lekan Salami stadium, saw Salisu Yusuf’s side advance 3-1 on aggregate after second half goals from Timilehin Ogunniyi and Success Makanjuola secured a comfortable win.
Ogunniyi broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after he fired in a free-kick 23 yards out.
Eight minutes later, the Olympic Eagles were two goals up when the irrepressible Ogunniyi was hacked in the box, and captain Makanjuola sealed victory for the team from the penalty spot.
Speaking after the game, Salisu expressed his delight at his side’s win but adds that more players will be drfated to the team ahead of the final playoff against Guinea.
“We have some players not in this team but they will be coming in future,”Salisu said after the win.
“It has not been easy putting the team together. The player are good but they lacked match fitness. We had to build them to a good level. I believe the team will continue to develop. There is progress in the team.
“The first half wasn’t easy because of the weather. They were very compact and often hit us on the counter. Our build up was slow and we found it difficult penetrating. We had to step up our circulation and the ball moved well.
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare praised the team for a job well done, but charged them to develop the mentality to convert most of the opportunities they create during play.
“I congratulate you for a job well-done and I am happy that you have reached the final round of the qualifiers for the U23 AFCON. But I am challenging you to learn to convert most of your chances in open play. You only need to work hard and stay focused.”
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde, Alhaji Balele and Hon. Bukola Olopade all fulfilled their pre-match pledges of $25,000, $20,000 and $5,000 respectively to the team.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa also promised the team the sum of N500,000 for every goal they score against Tanzania. He is expected to redeem his pledge.
