The aggregate victory means Nigeria can continue its quest for a seventh appearance at the Men’s Football Tournament of the Olympics, since first turning out at the 1968 Games in Mexico City.
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After wasting many first-leg chances, Nigeria coach Samson Siasia vowed that his team would attack a Congolese side guided by veteran French coach Claude Le Roy at Stade Municipal in Atlantic oil hub Pointe-Noire.
“We will attack because we want to win in Congo – not avoid defeat”, the 47-year-old former national team striker told reporters.
In Pointe Noire, the Dream Team who had a slim 2-1 edge from the first leg in Port Harcourt fought like Trojans to qualifying for the Championship in Senegal that is to serve as the last battle for the Rio 2016 tickets.
He also added that he would give the team some days break, before they return to Congo for the All Africa Games in September.
Siasia boasted: “I have been in hard situations with the “Dream Team” before and have always emerged victorious”.
“We were lucky to only lose 2-1 in Nigeria”, admits the bespectacled 67-year-old with flowing fair locks.
Before Nigeria’s qualification, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia and Zambia are the earlier countries that have confirmed their places for the African U-23 Championship Senegal 2015.
Zambia must do without defender Boyd Mkandawire, who was red-carded during a goalless first leg in Abidjan, and be wary having held Nigeria away in the All-Africa Games only to fall at home.
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The top three teams at the final tournament scheduled for November 28 to December 12 will represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
