Ndifreke Efiong and Sunday Faleye have told SCORENigeria they are delighted their goals against Sudan helped Nigeria qualify for the U23 AFCON in Egypt in November.
The Nigeria U23s overturned a 1-0 loss in Sudan with a comprehensive 5-0 win in Asaba on Tuesday to go through 5-1 on aggregate.
Akwa United star Ndifreke grabbed a brace, while substitute Faleye contributed a goal and an assist for Nigeria to stay in contention for a place in next year’s Olympics in Tokyo.
“I feel great and I also feel happy for my team,” Ndifreke told SCORENigeria
“I also thank God for the two goals.”
Austria-based Faleye made an immediate impact when he came off the bench to hit target with almost his first touch of the ball and two minutes later he set up Sunusi Ibrahim to net Nigeria’s fifth goal.
“I feel fantastic because we’ve qualified for the Olympics. It’s a thing of joy because Nigerians expected this and I’m glad it went the way we all expected,” he offered.
He dedicated his goal to the Nigerian who lost their lives in South Africa recently.
“I dedicate the goal first to God almighty, my parents and also to all those who lost their lives in the sad Xenophobic attacks in South Africa. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
Ndifreke, who dedicated his goals to his mother, said he is excited to be working with coach Imama Amapakabo for the first time.
“This is my first time working with him and I feel very glad I working with him,” said the versatile player, who featured at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“He told us what a coach should tell his players (before the match vs Sudan) and it worked.”
