NIGERIA has clinched one of Africa's three qualification slots for the Rio Olympics next year following a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the semi finals of the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
With Africa allocated three places in the Olympics, the two finalists and the winner of the third place match in the tournament will be going to Brazil. Thanks to a lone goal victory today against hosts Senegal courtesy of a 75th minute penalty, Nigeria's Olympic squad nicknamed Dream Team IV is now on the way to the Samba carnival.
Captain Peter Etebo scored the key goal from the penalty spot after striker Victor Osimhen had caused mayhem in the Senegalese penalty area forcing a defender to handle the ball. Senegal's Ousseynou Thioune, who was sent off for the misdemeanour, had handled the ball as he collided with his goalkeeper, Pape Ndiaye.
In the first half, Senegal had their own penalty after Nigeria keeper Emmanuel Daniel conceded a spot kick for a foul on Cheickou Dieng. However, he then saved a poor effort from the spot by Ibrahima Sory Keita, going from villain to hero within minutes.
With both sides struggling to find the target, Nigeria coach Samson Siasia brought on the top scorer from the recent Under-17 World Cup, Victor Osimhen, to replace Godspower Tower, which ultimately changed the game. Osimhen won Nigeria a penalty and Etebo stepped up to do what Keita was unable to do earlier with a bullet of a strike.
Senegal now face a crucial third-place match on Saturday against the losers of the South Africa vs Algeria game, with the winners also earning a place in Brazil. Nigeria, however is already on the way thanks in part to some stoic defending after taking the lead today as the Senegalese were unable to breakdown the stubborn Nigerian defence.
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