U-23 AFCON: Nigeria draw Algeria, play Senegal in semis

Nigeria’s quest for the 2016 Olympic ticket received a boost on Saturday as the U-23 Eagles booked their spot in the final four of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations following a goalless draw against Algeria in their final group game in Senegal.

The Algerians dominated proceedings from the beginning of the match at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar until Oghenekaro Etebo’s free kick in the 32nd minute which was Nigeria’s best opportunity in the first half.

Both sides did not make better efforts in the second half as they just need a draw to progress to the knockout stage of the competition.

Algeria finished as winners of Group B while Nigeria progress to the last four as Group B’s runners up with five points from three games with Mali finishing in third place after beating Egypt 1-0 in M’Bour.

Nigeria will play the Group A winners Senegal at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar whilst Algeria will take on the Group A runners-up South Africa.

Both semi-finals will be played on Wednesday 9 December.

The tournament also serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Olympic Games with the top three finishers booking a place in Rio, Brazil.

Meanwhile, Nigeria captain, Azubuike Okechukwu, will miss the semifinal match against Senegal after
picking up another yellow card during the Algerian match.

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