NFF Top Shot Celebrates Flying Eagles’ 1-1 Draw

By Daily Sports on July 16, 2018

Assistant technical director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Abdulrafiu Yusuf has stated appreciation with the 1-1 draw pulled off by the country’s youth national team, Flying Eagles, in Saturday’s first leg of their African U-20 Nations Cup final qualifier away to Mauritania.

Although many Nigerian believe the Flying Eagles should have carried the day in Nouakchott, since they have a better pedigree in the competition, insists Coach Paul Aigbogun’s lads gave their best.

He enthused that Aigbogun’s wards will do even better during the second leg at Agege Stadium, Lagos and qualify for the 2019 U-20 AFCON to be hosted by Niger Republic.

“It was a tough game but our boys have the ability to turn the table in Nigeria’s favour in the return leg and qualify for the finals,” said Yusuf, who travelled with the team.

Yusuf spoke as the team left Nouakchott on Sunday morning; following the match, in which Abubakar Ibrahim put Nigeria in front after only seven minutes at Stade Olympique, but the hosts pulled themselves back on level terms in the 11th minute with the equalizer.

Aigbogun started Saturday’s encounter with Detan Ogundare, Rabiu Muhammad, Ikouwem Utin (Captain), Ekene Olisema, Valentine Ozornwafor, Jamil Muhammad, Maxwell Effiom, Abubakar Ibrahim, Alhassan Ibrahim, Jesse Akila and Wasiu Alalade.

In the second half, Nazifi Yahaya (for Jesse Akila), Adeshina Gata (for Abubakar Ibrahim) and Aniekeme Okon (for Maxwell Effiom) brought fresh impetus into the Nigerian challenge.

The Flying Eagles put up an impressive performance but despite maximum three changes, the seven-time African champions could not secure a winner, leaving the fixture delicately poised ahead of the final leg at the Agege Stadium, Lagos on Saturday this week.

To get to this stage, Nigeria shot past Guinea Bissau in the earlier round, pipping their opponents 1-0 in Calabar following a 2-2 draw in Bissau, while Mauritania eliminated Guinea on the away goal rule, winning 1-0 in Nouakchott before losing 2-3 in Conakry.

Aigbogun, however, expressed confidence that his wards will do better during the second leg, adding: “We went all out for victory, but I must admit the Mauritanians are a good side. We will prepare hard and get the victory we need to qualify in Lagos on Saturday.” (Footballlive.ng)

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 16, 2018


 

You may also like...
Chelsea Ask Players To Return For Possible Premier...

Coronavirus: Manchester United Will Continue To Pay Matchday...

Zidane Warns Real Madrid ‘We Have Won Nothing...

Solid Shkodran proving that money can buy you...

Amusan seeks another global title at Diamond League...

Falcons play goalless with S’Africa Banyana, qualify for...

 

Latest News Nigeria beat Cameroon to reach IHF final 27 schools for Doregos Basketball Championship Super Falcons to play France’s Les Bleues in friendly SWAN suspends ban on coverage of Anambra FA activities Joshua among boxing’s top three earners in 2024 Oshoala makes history with Bay FC Nnamani hails team over IHF bright start Flamingos lift U-17 W’Cup Fair Play Trophy Rangers Intl, SWAN partner on sports collaboration in SE LAGOS SWAN CELEBRATES AIG ZONE 2 ON HIS BIRTHDAY AND 30 DAYS IN OFFICE Traders Cup: Upholstery Soccer Team Secured 2nd Win To Advance To Round Two Lagos SWAN Celebrates Oba Akiolu, Iyaloja General, AIG Fayoade

 

Most Read Rangers International going, going . . . (55,142 views) Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (46,269 views) Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (44,351 views) Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (43,992 views) Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (43,932 views) Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (43,879 views) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (43,718 views) NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (43,289 views) Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (42,333 views) Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (41,036 views) Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (39,490 views) John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (38,917 views)

 

Phone numbers

Tel: +234(0)8066020976
+234(0)8055068145
+234(0)7013416146
+234(0)8094272884

Email addresses

info@dailysportsng.com
support@dailysportsng.com
publisher@dailysportsng.com

Office address

No 3, Adetoun Close, Off College Road, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos.
Website: www.dailysportsng.com

Social Media