Admin I Sunday, September 23, 2019
LOME, Togo – Sparrow Hawks of Togo hit the Super Eagles 4-1 in Lome on Sunday in a first leg, second round qualifying match of the 2020 African Nations Championship scheduled for Cameroon.
Sunusi Ibrahim gave Nigeria the lead in the 8th minute before the Togolese trio of Richard Nane (16′ and 67′); Tchakei Marouf (75′); and Agoro Ashraf (90+2′) completed the comeback for the hosts.
Head Coach Imama Amapakabo who arrived at the match venue on a confident note is optimistic that the result of the match at Stade de Kegue would not determine which team qualifies.
He made it clear to the media that his team never underrated the Togolese, but admitted that there is a huge job to be done in the return leg.
“No, we never underrated our opponents. That would have been a foolish thing to do in football. The truth is that we fielded mainly a young team that could not really live up to expectations technically compared to the senior players in the Togolese side who have gained experience over the years.
“However, we have taken this as a learning curve moving forward and awaiting the return match.” He remains confident that the situation is still redeemable.
“It is wrong to think that this match would determine which team goes through. We know there is a second match and no two games can ever be the same. From now until October 19, it is still quite some time away to make amends and produce the right form for the work ahead. It is after the match in Nigeria that it can become clear who qualifies,” he said.
UEFA/CAF Tourney: Eaglets spank Turkey 2-0
Five –time world champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria began their campiagn at the UEFA/CAF U17 Tournament by condemning Turkey, host nation to two unreplied goals scored by Olakunle Olusegun and Divine Nwachukwu in each half of the game.
It was an explosive encounter from the blast of the whistle as Turkey tried to unsettle their Nigerian counterparts at the early stage of the game, but the Eaglets stood firm and thereafter asserted their presence by their smooth brand of football which yielded fruit when Olakunle Olusegun found the back of the net in the 10th minute.
The goal gave the Eaglets confidence as they dominanted posssesion with scintillating passes and continous bombardment of their opponents’ vital area for more goals, but the scoreline remained 1-0 at the break.
Turkey tried to fight back on resumption but met a strong resistance in the defence of the Eaglets and just as it happened in the first half, the Nigerian teenagers enforced their superior quality as they controlled the game, creating more goal-scoring opportunities, but failed to increase the tally. However, the pressure told on the defence of Turkey as it caved in to concede an infringement in the box. The resultant penalty was converted by Divine Nwachukwu.
Manu Garba, Head Coach of the Eaglets said after the game that it was a very difficult encounter despite the victory of his team, adding that the team will continue to improve in its next game.
“It was not an easy game. We played against a very good side and it is a relief that we won. I’m certain that the team will continue to improve in the tournament.” he told thenff.com.Nigeria will play her next game against Guatemala on Tuesday.
