Nazifi Yahaya was the star man as Nigeria’s national u-20 team, Flying Eagles, qualified for the AFCON 2019 after they demolished Mauritania in the second leg at the Soccer Temple, Agege, Lagos.
Yahaya netted a brace as Nigeria defeated their visitors 5-0 in a waterlogged pitch for an aggregate score of 6-1, after the first leg ended 1-1.
“I’m very very happy,” a visibly elated Yahaya told aclsports.com moments after the match.
On a very wet evening,a brilliant performance from the Flying Eagles saw them dominate from start to finish against their U20 counterparts from Mauritania.
Few minutes after missing a golden opportunity to break the deadlock, Wasiu Alalade atoned for that mistake when he put Nigeria 1-0 up.
Kano Pillars’ Yahaya doubled Nigeria’s advantage just before the break, with Paul. Aigbogun’s boys looking comfortable at half time.
Two minutes after the restart, a goalkeeping error by Mauritania’s goalkeeper was punished by that man, Yahaya, who headed his second and Nigeria’s third of the match, completely eroding any hopes of s fightback.
Okon Asuquo made the score line even more safe for Nigeria when his close range effort made it 4-0 on the day, late into the second half.
Nigeria was not done, there was still time for one last drama. Mauritania went in search of a consolation goal, leaving spaces at the back which led to break by Nigeria, with away pushing down Asuquo in the box.
The referee awarded a penalty, which Afeez Aremu stepped up to calmly convert from the spot, sealing a convincing 5-0 victory for Nigeria and a place in next year’s youth nations cup in Niger.
Nigeria has won the U20 nations cup seven times, the most by any African country.
