Olusegun’s first-half penalty was enough to see a wasteful Golden Eaglets side into the semi’s of the U-17 Afcon and a World Cup spot in Brazil.
Nigeria U17 are through to Brazil 2019, the Fifa U17 World Cup after defeating 10-man Angola U17 1-0 at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
Heading into the clash, either side stood the chance of securing a semi-final spot after their feats in their Group A openers.
Manu Garba’s men endured a stern test from hosts Tanzania, defeating them 5-4 while their Angolan counterparts saw off Uganda 1-0.
However striker Olakunle Olusegun scored from the spot in the first half to secure them a victory against a determined Angolan side, who played for the majoirty of the second half a man less after Jose Cabingano saw red.
The Golden Eaglets started Wednesday’s encounter on the back foot with their opponents dictating the pace of the game, but they kept their rearguard unbreached.
The two-goal hero against Tanzania, Wisdom Ubani had two chances this time. He forced good saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Sunday Stephen to keep the scores level from a free-kick and a smart attempt.
In the 21st minute, the Golden Eaglets took the lead through Olusegun who converted past Geovani Carvalho from the penalty spot, after referee Ahmed Elghandour pointed to the spot as Ngunza Cabingano handled the ball in the area.
Shedrack Tanko, after a one-two with Akinkunmi Amoo, smashed his shot against the bar while Olusegun’s effort to outwit Carvalho was also snuffed out by the Angola goalkeeper as a wasteful Nigeria side headed into the break a goal up.
Few minutes after the restart, Angola’s drive to level the game was dealt a blow after defender Cabingano received a red card for a second bookable offence. The lad’s dangerous lunge on Olusegun earned him a second yellow card.
The Nigeria striker was again wasteful, failing to convert into an open net, thus, robbing Ubani of an assist. Divine Nwachukwu took his place of the goalscorer after 67 minutes, and almost immediately the substitute had a chance to double his side’s lead. The effort was blocked.
Zito almost caused a stir late in the game but Stephen provided a good save to keep the Angolans out of the tie as the Golden Eaglets held on to seal a spot in Brazil.
They now lead Group A with six points and up next is the final group game against Uganda before they proceed to the last four.
