Holders Nigeria secured a pleasant come-from-behind 3-1 win over Zambia to revive their Olympic dreams and get back on good terms with their fans following an opening day defeat.
A first half goal from Orji Okonkwo cancelled out a Patson Daka’s opener for Zambia before second half strikes from Kelechi Nwakali – a classy free kick, no less – and Taiwo Awoniyi ensured the Olympic Eagles claimed maximum points at Al-Salam Stadium.
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Imama Amapakabo’s boys lost their first match at the tournament to Ivory Coast to receive a barrage of knocks from fans but the victory over the Chipolopolo have quickly gotten fans back on their side.
It was a nervy encounter, described as ‘heart in the mouth stuff’ by a fan but Nigeria football fans, including the honourable Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, was delighted to see the Olympic Eagles rise from bottom of the group to second place.
Olympics Eagles bounce back. Nigeria 3. Zambia 1. Congratulations! AFCON.
— Sunday Dare (@SundayDareSD) November 12, 2019
Come back win. Heart ♥️ in the mouth stuff ! #SoarOlympicEagles https://t.co/dRK4yNK8aJ
— abudu tunde (@tandor07) November 12, 2019
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https://www.twitter.com/FootballKuli/status/1194348099277381633
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Yes! Yes! Yes! They came with arrogance but are leaving with their tails between their legs! #SoarOlympicEagles
— Dr kelvin Amata (@KelvinAmata) November 12, 2019
FT Zambia 1-3 Nigeria
Nigerian never say die spirit at it again.#SoarOlympicEagles #Team9jaStrong #ZAMNGA pic.twitter.com/LgOfSNk8bT— blenda (@newsblenda) November 12, 2019
And we humbled them.
FT: Zambia 1-3 Nigeria
Congratulations our Olympic team.
Nigerians are proud of you.#SoarOlympicEagles #Team9jaStrong @thenff pic.twitter.com/ZXylqIRXTf
— Joshua Chisom (@JoChisom) November 12, 2019
A win in their final group game against South Africa will secure a place in the semi-final of the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations for the 1996 Olympics champions.
