The national under-23 male football team on Saturday in Abuja beat their Gabonese counterparts 2-0 to advance 6-1 aggregate into the final round of the 11th All-Africa Games Qualifiers.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Dream Team VI victory was in the second leg match of their second round fixture in the AAG qualifiers.
In the match played at the Abuja National Stadium mainbowl, the Dream Team VI took dominance of the game from the opening minutes.
But the Gabonese were not ready to easily go down and they launched some serious attacks to keep the hosts in check, but they could not utilise their scoring chance.
With Kingsley Sokari coming on for Nigeria in the 40th minute to substitute Peter Onyekachi, the game’s complexion changed.
However, Segun Oduduwa opened scores in the73rd minute of the game after a one-on-one encounter with goalkeeper Boussougou Arnaud.
Ajayi Junior doubled the lead for Dream Team VI in the 89th minute.
Speaking after the match, the Dream Team VI’s Head Coach, Samson Siasia, told newsmen that he was impressed that they won.
Siasia said: “I am happy because my team played to instructions.
“But I will agree that they didn’t play the same way they played in Gabon two weeks ago.
“Maybe they were too relaxed.
“However, the important thing is that they defeated Gabon home and away.
“But it was a serious game today (Saturday).
“The Gabonese were ready for this game, but unfortunately for them they could not score a single goal.”
On his part, Thierry Ebobola, the coach of Gabon, agreed that the match was competitive, but said it was unfortunate his team could not score.
Ebobola said: “My players tried their best, but it was not enough.
“The Nigeria team is exposed to all manners of game and as such experienced, but I have a good set of players too, I must confess.
“I was impressed with the way the Dream Team played and I can see that they have a bright future in football.
“I am going home to work on my team.
“I have a lot to do. ]
“I need to reinforce the team in all the departments.”
NAN recalls that Dream Team VI had taken a big step towards qualifying for the final round of the AAG Qualifiers with their 4-1 win in the first leg in Libreville.
They will now meet Zambia in the final round of the race to the 11th AAG scheduled for September in Congo Brazzaville.
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