How Taiwo Awoniyi Rescued Samson Siasia's job with a brace

Nigeria's Under-23 national team have qualified for men's football event of the All-Africa Games billed to hold in Congo in September this year.

The Nigerian under-23s defeated Zambia 2-1 at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday to progress on a 2-1 aggregate after the first leg ended 0-0 in Abuja two weeks back.

Taiwo Awoniyi called up from the Flying Eagles by the Nigerian under-23 head coach, Samson Siasia, was the hero of the day as he scored a goal in each half to ensure that the West Africans book their passage to the All-Africa Games.

The Zambians were on the front foot early in the game with Mukuka Mulenga and Shadreck Malambo trying from range.

The early pressure of the Zambians nearly yielded a goal in the 23rd minute when the effort of Ronald Kampamba came off the woodwork with Emmanuel Daniel in Nigeria's goal beaten.

Kampamba continued to trouble the backline of Siasia's team until Awoniyi popped up to give Nigeria the lead with 11 minutes to the break.

Zambia looked revved up in the restart and Kampamba could only drag his shot wide off target just five minutes into the second half.

Siasia then sent on left-back Mustapha Abdullahi for Bernard Bulbwa, both drafted in from the under-20s in a a tactical move to go defensive and also curb the wing play of the Zambians.

Zambia continued to push forward and Friday Samu produced a superb strike that forced Daniel into a fine save in the 56th minute.

The Zambian under-23s kept the pressure on Nigeria and deservedly levelled matters in Lusaka through Samu with Malambo, playing the role of provider with 14 minutes to time.

With 10 minutes to go, Kampamba nearly stole the show with a second goal for Zambia but his attempt to chip the ball over Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel was saved.

Just when Zambia thought they could go for the kill, the impressive Awoniyi struck again with four minutes to time.

Awoniyi's goal at the death was enough to send Nigeria through to the All-Africa Games despite a spirited display from the Zambians.