Olympic Eagles have come from a goal down to topple Zambia 3-1 in their second group B fixtures at the 2019 U-23 African cup of Nations on Tuesday night.
Zambia who went took the lead in the 11th minute after Patson Daka fired the ball beyond Adamu Abubakar failed to hold on to their lead for long as Orji Okonkwo equalised for Nigeria from a corner kick only six minutes after.
Stephen Bitok was booked for a foul around the Nigeria box in the 21st minute as the Eagles struggled to cope with the pace of of Zambia’s talisman Fashion Sakala.
Taiwo Awoniyi directed a weak header at the Zambia goalkeeper towards the end of the first half, while Zambia responded with a fine effort which was brilliantly saved by Abubakar.
The pattern of play continued after the break with both teams attacking at every opportunity.
Goal scorer, Okonkwo was replaced by Sunday Faleye in the 62nd minute after picking up an injury.
Nigeria took the lead for the first time in the game in the 65th minute after Kelechi Nwakali neatly placed a free kick from the edge of the box into the net.
Nwakali was replaced by Aliyu Adamu 14 minutes from time as the Nigerians adopted a more defensive approach in the later part of the game.
Awoniyi scored the third goal for Nigeria in added time.
In the other game in the group, South Africa edged out Cote d’l voire 1-0.
It was a remarkable performance from the Nigerian lads who bounced back from the 1-0 loss to Cote d’l lvoire in their first game.
Imama Amapakabo’s charges will face South Africa in their final Group B on Friday.
