The Falconets are set to defend their gold medal at the African Games. They moved one step closer to realising their dream by defeating Uganda in the competition’s football final.
Nigeria triumphed 2-0, thanks to goals in the 74th and 89th minutes from Okah Adaobi and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, respectively.
Coach Christopher Danjuma’s team had a spirited first half in the Monday semi-final. They had possession, but breaking through the Ugandan defence was a mammoth feat.
The game ended goalless in the first half with Nigeria continuing their search when the second 45 minutes began.
Nigeria made two changes with about 19 minutes left of normal time. Adaobi came in for Olusola Shobowale while Chiamaka replaced Motunrayo Ezekiel in what later proved to be a tactical masterclass.
Adaobi gave the Falconets a breakthrough just three minutes after getting into action. Although Nigeria could have doubled the advantage 10 minutes later, they were denied by an offside call.
It, however, did not take long before the West Africans scored again. This time, it was another substitute Okwuchukwu who slotted home to give Nigeria the victory at the Cape Coast Stadium.
With Monday’s win, the Falconets are now in a pole position to defend their 2019 success in the competition by taking the gold medal in Ghana. They will play the winner of the Ghana and Senegal match in the final.