Nigeria’s Dream Team VI U-23 defeated hosts Zambia 2-1 at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka to reach the 2015 All African Games (AAG).
A goal in each half by the Flying Eagles’ Taiwo Awoniyi ensured Samson Siasia’s side secured a ticket to the 2015 All African Games
The hosts threatened a comeback through Friday Samu but the Samson Siasia’s men caged them to run away with the maximum points.
Coach Fighton Simukonda had boasted that his side would send the Nigerians packing after the first leg ended 0-0 in Abuja.
The Zambians dominated the early part of the game but the Dream Team defence looked resolute as they thwarted every attacking forays of the hosts.
Awoniyi’s fine finish in the 34th minute gave Nigeria the lead going to the half time break but the hosts who came back stronger in the second half drew level courtesy of Samu’s strike in the 76th minute.
However, it was Awoniyi who ensured victory for the visitors with his well-placed strike with four minutes remaining to the end of the game.
Nigeria have now qualified for the All African Games men football event after missing out on the competition in 2011.