14th May, 2011
Nigeria failed to defend the WAFU Nations Cup they won last year as the home-based Super Eagles lost 2-3 to Togo’s Hawks in the final played at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta in Ogun state, Nigeria.
The coach Samson Siasia’s team played the game of their lives but goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday’s poor reflexes ruined the day for the hosts.
The rampaging Togolese side opened scoring in the 3rd minute through Atakora Lalawele, whose header beat goalkeeper Rotimi.
Togo increased the tally to 2-0 in the 23rd minute when Wome Dove’s weak volley beat Rotimi on his line.
Batholomew Ibenegbu score twice in the 27th and 45th minutes to level scores for Nigeria but keeper Rotimi conceded a cheeky 3rd goal in added time of the first half.
The keeper parried the ball into his own net from Lalawele’s free kick taken from about 30m spot. The second half did not produce any goal, as Togo smiled home with the trophy, prize money of $25,000 and gold medal while Nigeria won silver medal with $15,000.
Earlier, Liberia whitewashed Ghana’s Black Stars 4-1 in the third place match to cart home the bronze medal and $10,000.
By Sunday Akintoye, Abeokuta