A first half goal from Okechukwu Gabriel was all that the Super Eagles of Nigeria B team needed on Wednesday night against Sudan in Marrakech to qualify for the final of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) for the first time.
The Eagles lost goalkeeper and team captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa early in the game through injury after coming of badly from a clash with a Sudanese player. He was replaced by Dele Ajiboye in the 10th minute and the Platuae United goalkeeper would later make several fantastic saves in the game.
The Nigerians however took the lead in the 16th minute as Gabriel superbly slotted home his second of the tournament after a fantastic flick from Anthony Okpotu.
The Eagles took control of the game afterwards but not without some occasional threats from the Sudanese who laboured to eqaulise before the break without Success.
The second half started with the Eagles almost doubling their advantage but Okpotu failed to convert a clear chance. The game became tighter as the clocked ticked.
And in the 59th minute Ifeanyi Ifeanyi received a second yellow after a bad tackle on a Sudan player, making the Eagles play with one man less until Sudanese Bachir Bakri was red carded as well for his horrendous foul on Dayo Ojo.
The Eagles managed to absorb last minutes threats from Sudan to ensure they booked a historic final against host country Morrocco who earlier defeated Libya 3-1 on Sunday.
