Match Details: NigeriaU23 (2) vs CongoU23 (1)

The first of the clash between NigeriaU23 and CongoU23 for the qualification to 2016 Olympics to be hosted by Rio de Janerio was played today at the Adokiye Amesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Nigeria. A 40,000 capacity stadium filled to the brim by the fans of the NigeriaU23 team.

Samson Siasia Coach of NigeriaU23

Nigeria dominated in possession throughout the first half; however, the Congolese had a water-tight defence, good goal keeping by Mafoumbi the Congolese keeper. A long range short from the Nigeria U23 captain Okechukwu Azubike flew over the bar at the 23rd minutes and a Congolese player pick up a yellow card in the 24th. An indirect freekick inside the box by the NigeriaU23 at the 31st minute, good delivery; however, Mafoumbi kept it out. Furthermore, the CongoU23 were solid in the defence, Mavis a defender blocked shot from Nigeria with the keeper Mafoumbi out of position. At the last minute of the first half, NigeriaU23 had a good exchange of passes; but they failed to convert. Score remained goaless at the end of the half.

In the second half, NigeriaU23 came out with a bright start, Junior Ajayi got his goal in the 48th minute; followed by a miss by Nigeria in the 50th. Etor Daniel bursted off with a blistering pace, layed a good cross for Junior Ajayi to smash in with a header into the Congolese net for his second goal. At the 60th minute, the Congolese Makaeze escaped a straight Red card for kicking Usman Mohammed in the midsection; instead he got yellow card from the referee. After a scramble in the Nigerian defence, Nkoukou M oise scored from the rebound against Nigeria; score 2:1, a very important away goal for the CongoU23 team. Another yellow card for Bagelese a Congolese player at the 71st.

The 1996 Dream-Team

In the final minutes, Nigeria pressed for their third goal to cushion the effects of the away goal by Congo. Final score, Nigeria 2, Congo 1. Great game! Hope Nigeria comes out winners in the second leg at Brazzaville in August.