Nigeria’s Under-23 national team, the Dream Team VI, have won the bronze medal of the men’s football event of the 11th All Africa Games after beating hosts Congo 5-3 on penalties.
In a game that was full of missed chances, Nigeria started the brighter of the two sides with Junior Ajayi and Daniel Etor narrowly missing the opening goal in the early stages.
The hosts gradually found their way back into the game and nearly took the lead after some careless defending in the Nigeria box but were denied by the impressive Emmanuel Daniel in goal for the Samson Siasia-led team.
Sincere Seth had Nigeria’s best chance in the first half after being put through by Christian Pyagbara but he blasted wide much to the dismay of his coach.
Congo had a couple of chances of their own especially after the introduction of Silvere Ganvalou who brought a lot of spark to the Congolese attack as he rattled the Nigeria’s back line on a number of occasions.
Ajayi nearly gave Nigeria the win in regulation time but his attempt was blocked by Congolese goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi as the game fizzled into penalties.
The Nigerian lads expertly tucked away all their penalty kicks while Emmanuel Daniel did well to save from Babele Sagesse as Nigeria won the game and added to their medal haul in Brazzaville.
