Nigeria’s Dream Team VI: squandered lead in second half again

Nigeria’s Dream Two had another display of deja vu Wednesday in Mbour, Senegal when they threw away a two-goal lead in the first half, only to allow Egypt claw back into the game in the second half to cancel the lead. The game ended 2-2.

Although Egypt comeback was helped by  Nigeria’s wobbly defence, the Egyptians deserved the draw, as they harassed the Nigerian defence for most of the second half,  with long balls from the midfield to the forwards to finish.

Nigeria’s Dream Team VI, with the outcome of the match,  have shot themselves   into a tight corner, making  qualification  for the knockout stage of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, a dicey affair.

Nigeria, who were leading with two goals before the half time through a brace from Etebo Peter Oghenekaro’s spot kicks goals in the 20th and 30th minutes , failed to defend this lead as they gave the Egyptians the golden opportunities to equalise within a spate of five minutes in the second half.

Egypt’s 46 and 51 minutes goals through Ramadan Sobhi and Mamdouh El Sayed respectively were all the North Africans needed to share point with the Nigerian team.

The Nigerians had collapsed in the second half as well in their first game against Mali on Sunday, allowing Mali to clip the 3-0 lead to 3-2. Coach Siasia admitted Nigeria was lucky to steal the three points away from Mali.

With the latest  result, Siasia and his boys have to beat Algeria in their last game to guarantee their qualification to the next stage of the Nations Cup which serves as African qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The Algerians defeated Mali 2-0 in the first match of Group B played Wednesday evening. Nigeria are tied with 4 points with Algeria, while Egypt are with two points with Mali no point in two matches.