Nigeria’s Olympic team easily beat the Black Meteors 2-0 in their Group B clash at the All Africa Games on Wednesday, leaving the Ghanaians to rely on math for any hope of qualification.
For the Dream Team, it was their opening game, while Ghana had already played Senegal at the weekend and drawn 0-0.
This win for Nigeria at the Kintele Stadium in Brazzaville, combined with Ghana’s draw against Senegal three days ago, means Nigeria are through to the semi-finals as it is a three-team group
Nigeria had been slated to play Egypt at the weekend but had a bye because the north Africans.
Wednesday’s game was played in Brazzaville and the Nigerians were clearly the better side.
After dominating for most of the game, the U-23s couldn’t break down a resolute Ghana defence in the first half.
In the early parts of the second half, the U-23 Eagles continued their control of the game and in the 55th minute, Junior Ajayi netted with an assist from Etor Daniel.
Kingsley Sokari settled matters with three minutes to play after he lobbed the on-rushing Ghana ‘keeper Richard Ofori.
Ghana are on the brink of elimination from the Games after the latest loss unless Nigeria beat Senegal by a bigger margin than 2-0.
That Nigeria game is on Saturday.
