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By Anarchy Agbo

Kelechi Nwakali was the hero as the Olympic Eagles Tuesday rekindled their hope of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics football event after they defeated Zambia 3-1 on Wednesday, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The Olympic Eagles came back from a 1-0 down to beat Zambia 3-1 in their second group game match in Cairo, Egypt at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Tournament which is meant for players below 23 years also serves as qualifiers for the next year’s Olympic Games in Japan.

CD Huesca attacker, Kelechi Nwakali’s beautiful free kick in the 65th minute sealed the winning before Taiwo Awoninyi’s 90th minute goal secured and increased Nigeria chances of picking the tournament’s semi-final ticket.

Zambian player, Daka had put his country ahead in the 12th minute before Orji Okonkwo restored parity for the Imama Amapakabo-led team when he scored in the 16th minute.

Earlier in the same Group B South Africa defeated Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 to blow the group open. With the win, South Africa are topping the table with four points while Nigeria are second with three points.

Nigeria will face South Africa in their last group match. The match, is a-must-win for the defending champions if they must progress to the semifinals.

Nigeria last week lost her opening match against Ivory Coast by alone goal which made Wednesday’s match a lot more crucial for the West Africans.

Nigeria will play their last group match against South Africa on Friday by 7pm Nigeria time and must win the match to guarantee a place in the semi-final.

The three best teams will represent Africa in Tokyo 2020 Olympic football event.

Full Results

Ivory Coast 0-1 South Africa

Nigeria 3-1 Zambia