Cadet national team, Golden Eaglets striker, Olakunle Olusegun is looking good to emerge top scorer at the ongoing African U17 Cup of Nations zonal qualifiers in Niger Republic.
Olusegun edged closer to the prize on Wednesday, after getting Nigeria’s second goal in a 2-1 win against the host country, to book a ticket into the finals on Saturday.
The enterprising youngster, who was also named man of the match against the hosts, will now aim for both personal and team glory against Ghana in the final, to clinch the highest goals scorers’ award and help Nigeria pick the only slot to the Africa Cadet Championship proper in Tanzania.
This comes after Olusegun got the assurance goal that took Nigeria to the final of the WAFU zone B qualifiers with victory in the second semi-final game of the tournament.
The Nigerian team bossed the early exchanges but Niger’s goalkeeper stood between them and a goal in the first 20 minutes of the clash.
Niger almost took the lead when the goalkeeper of the Nigerian team fumbled a cross and it dropped for a Niger forward but he sent his attempt high with the goal at his mercy.
That move spurred the Nigerians on and after one of their routine attack from the left, left full back Muhammed Ibrahim ran unnoticed into the box before delivering an inch perfect cross for Akinkumi Amoo to open scoring for Nigeria.
Amoo’s goal was the last meaningful kick of the first half as both teams head into the half time break with Nigeria leading 1-0.
Thirteen minutes after the restart, Olusegun put Nigeria two goals up with a smart left foot curler for his fourth goal in the three games Nigeria have so far played at the tournament.
The host pulled a goal back but it was not enough to stop Nigeria from progressing to the final where they will take on Ghana for the sole ticket to represent the zone at the African U17 Championship in Tanzania.
