Omojesu shines as U-23 Eagles defeat Tanzania

Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles booked their place in the next round of qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 win over Tanzania in Ibadan. The win means that the Nigerians go through with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline.

After playing out a 1-1 stalemate in Dar-es-Salaam last week, the Eagles were looking for a better performance against their East African visitors. With a promise of cash rewards from Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde, they were not willing to give up the win against the Tanzanians.

After probing for the entirety of the first half, the U-23 Eagles went in front after 59 minutes as Latvia-based midfielder Ogunniyi Omojesu scored directly from a free-kick. The 20-year-old saw his effort bounce just in front of the goalkeeper, allowing the ball to evade his attention and land in the back of the net via the crossbar.

Omojesu was again instrumental as the Nigerians doubled their advantage in Ibadan. The silky midfielder weaved past his markers before going down following a challenge in the box. Captain Success Makanjuola stepped up and sent the resulting penalty home off the woodwork in the 67th minute.

The U-23 Eagles held on for a 2-0 win in Ibadan, earning qualification to the final round of qualifiers where one of Uganda or Guinea awaits. The boys also earned a 1 million naira largesse from Ahmed Musa in addition to the money promised them by the Oyo State governor.