Nigeria’s U-23 team edged out Mali in a keenly contested affair that saw Nigeria narrowly edge it.
The match started out as a one sided affair with Nigeria racing to a 3-0 lead in the first half with a brace from Junior Ajayi and a goal for Mohammed Usman.
By the time the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half, the match looked to be over for all intents and purposes.
However, Mali came into the second half all guns blazing and refused to play dead. They were rewarded for their attacking efforts when Adama Niane scored from a spotkick.
Mali’s second goal from Souleyman Sissoko came ten minutes later and the Nigerian defense looked shaky and nervy. The Nigerian dream team managed to hold on to the slender win and now top group B.
Their next fixture is against Egypt.