AFRICAN GAMES: Makanjuola stars as Emeka Chinonso strike sends Flying Eagles to semifinal

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the semifinals of the football event in the 2019 African Games taking place in Rabat following a 2-2 draw against host nation, Morocco with Success Makanjuola and Emeka Chinonso posting a worthy performance at the FAR Sports Complex Rabat.

After gathering four points from two games in Group A, the Nigerian team needed just a point to advance to the knockout phase of the competition and they did just that in grandstyle.

The hosts opened scoring as early as 12 minutes through Mohsinne Abba's header after defensive blunder from the Nigerian team and dictated the tone of the game for the  better part of the first 45 minutes.

With less than seven minutes to half time break, Nigeria drew level through captain Ibrahim Abubakar's rebound from a penalty spot after Ghali Ahmad has been brought down in the box.

Before the half time break Success Makanjuola of Water FC was introduced for injured Collin Sor and he made meaningful impact with fine displays.

Morocco regained their lead in the second half of the game from the spot when the referee ruled that Habibu Yakubu had handled in the box and that forced Coach Paul Aigbogun to hand Emeka Chinonso his second appearance for the Flying Eagles.

The BrookHouse FC of England striker broke the heart of the young Moroccans scoring Nigeria's second goal late in the game to seal the semifinal ticket.