Ahead Obama Cup: Flying Eagles Beat Siasia’s Eagles

Samson Siasia

Samson Siasia

National U-20 team, the Flying Eagles today defeated the Coach Samson Siasia-led Super Eagles 2-1 in a high-profile friendly match at the National Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria.

Samson Siasia

The match was crucial for the Eagles, who are preparing for next month’s 8-Nation invitational tournament, tagged Obama Cup in the United States of America, while the junior Eagles are getting set for the 17th African Youth Championship slated for Libya in March.

The junior team, coached by John Obuh, who led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to the finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria in 2009, opened scoring through Gomo Ndukwu barely five minutes into the tie.

Ndukwu got the opener with a left-footed shot just outside the box. While the Eagles were struggling to get an equaliser, Bright Ejike increased the tally for the Flying Eagles in the 40th minute to leave the scoreline at 2-0 at half time.

On resumption of the second half, Stanley Okoronkwo reduced the score line when he netted the ball in the 55th minute.

Coach Obuh ensured that his young lads maintained their first half pressure on the senior team that are due for the Green Bowl Soccer Tournament in America, and ended the match 2-1 at full time.

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The Eagles played 2-2 with their junior compatriots when they first met in such training match early this month. They subdued the Flying Eagles 2-1 in another encounter last week before losing today’s match.

Former Eaglets’ skipper, Fortune Chukwudi led the Flying Eagles while the team’s regulars, Kenneth Omeruo, Omo Ojabu, Terry Envoh, AbdulJelil Ajagun, Edafe Egbedi, Aigbe Oliha and goalkeeper Paul Danjuma played in the match.

Coach Siasia, who is expected to announce his 22-man squad for the Obama cup after today’s friendly, featured Chibuzor Okonkwo, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Osas Okoro, former Olympic player, Yinka Adedeji, Gege Soriola, Julius Ubido, Akombo Ukeyima and Cletus Itodo.

—Tunde Oyedele

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