Nigeria’s Dream Team VII bounced back from opening defeat to Cote D’Ivore to thrashed Zambia 3-1 in their second group stage match at the ongoing U23 AFCON in Egypt.
The Imama Amakapabo camp was earlier boosted with the arrival of Captain Azubuike Okechukwu and Mainz 05 striker Taiwo Awoniyi for the clash at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.
Zambia took the lead in the 12th minute when Patson Daka ended a brilliant solo run and fired the ball past Adamu Abubakar in goal for Nigeria.
Four minutes later, Orji Okwonkwo restored parity for the Dream Team after tapping the ball from close range following a corner. The first half ended with sides tied at 1-1.
Nigeria went in front in the 65 minutes, through Kelechi Nwakali sumptuous free kick that left Zambian keeper Mangani Banda rattled.
In the added time Taiwo Awonyi made use of a swift counter attack to score Nigeria’s third of the night.
Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Cote D’Ivore in the second Group B match .
Next, Nigeria and South Africa will lock horns at Al Salam Stadium while Zambia takes on Cote d’Ivoire in a simultaneous kick off on Friday at Cairo Stadium.
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