SUPER EAGLES LOSE NARROWLY AS FALCONS WIN IN THE GAMBIA

VIENNA, Austria – The Super Eagles put up a spirited effort but lost by the odd goal to the Czech Republic in their last pre-World Cup friendly at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium in Vienna on Wednesday. Tomas Kalas followed up cleverly as hardworking goalkeeper Francis Uzoho punched a header into his path and rammed the ball high up into the net in the 25th minute for the only goal of the match.

 

Uzoho, Abdullahi Shehu, Brian Idowu, Leon Balogun, William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, John Ogu, Mikel John Obi, Alex Iwobi, Odion Ighalo and Victor Moses started for Nigeria at the multi-use facility, and though they created a hatful of chances, the Eagles did not quite work out their marksmanship on the day. Coach Gernot Rohr brought in Tyronne Ebuehi, Elderson Echiejile, Ahmed Musa, Simeon Nwankwo and Kelechi Iheanacho into the fray later on, but the Czechs tightened their act at the back and would not be breached.

 

Meanwhile, the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, were winners in Bakau, earning a 1-0 triumph over their Gambian counterparts in the first leg of a 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying final round fixture at the Independence Stadium.

 

Amarachi Okoronkwo mined gold from a 23-yard shot that sailed into the net after 19 minutes and ensured the reigning champions have one leg in the 11th Women AFCON ahead of the return leg at the Agege Stadium, Lagos on Monday.