By Dave Okpogadie, Asaba
Nigeria’s Under-23 Olympic Football Team mauled their Sudanese counterparts 5-0 in an Under 23 Nations Cup qualifier played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The match in Asaba was the return leg of the African qualifier which the Nigerian team entered into with a lone goal deficit after suffering a lone goal defeat in the hands of the Sudanese when the two sides met Khatoum, Sudan last week.However, with three goals in the first half and two goals in the second stanza, the visitors were simply overwhelmed by their Nigerian counterparts.Taiwo Awoniyi opened scoring with a goal in the 10 minutes into the encounter while Ndifreke Effiong doubled the lead in the 27th minute and added a third in the last minute of the first half.
On resumption for the second half, the Sudanese put up a strong showing only to be halted when Sunday Faleye increased the goal tally with a goal in the 67th minute.
Abdulahi Sanusi put in hope-sealer with a fifth goal in the 71st minute after mesmerizing the Sudanese defence line with good display of football artistry, to send the fans into wild jubilation.
Nigerian players displayed confidence from the opening minute of the game to the end.
Speaking on the outcome of the match, Nigerian coach, Mr Imama Amakpakabo, said the result of the encounter in Asaba on Tuesday spoke for itself about the preparedness of the Nigeria Under 23 football team despite losing by a lone goal barely five days ago in Sudan.
He expressed delight at the technical approach of the Nigerian players to the match.
