The Nigeria U20 team lost the second game of their set of friendly games against host Egypt 1-2 earlier today in Alexandria , two days after drawing 0-0 in their first meeting.
Egypt who were dominant in the first tie took the lead in the 25th minute. A score they hanged onto going into the half time break as Nigeria failed to mount any meaningful threat to their goal.
Nigeria came out for the second half a much better team than they were in the first half, with the introduction of CHAN Eagles ace Peter Eneji in the 50th minute turning the game in favour of the Nigerians.
However, Egypt made it 2-0 in a sweeping counter attack move after an attack by Nigerian broke down in the half of the Egyptian, who were well organised at the rear.
Eneji who came in for Bournemouth teen midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh who shunned England for Nigeria, immediately added pep to the attack of the Flying Eagles but it was right full back Mike Zaruma who stole the headlines for Nigeria.
The young Plateau United full back pulled a goal back for Nigeria with a cracking effort from over 40 yards, which left the goalkeeper of the Egyptian team stranded as it sailed into the net. His goal could easily pass as the goal of the game.
Tried as they could Egypt hanged on to claim the win, although coach Paul Aigbogun would be very pleased with the display of his boys in this game particularly in the second half, unlike in the first game where they struggled badly.
Flying Eagles starting XI: Detan Ogundare ( GK) – Valentine , Mubarak, Ikouwem Udoh (Captain), Mike – Nnmadi Ofoborh, Alhassan Ibrahim,Nur Mohammed, Babawo Ibrahim – Wasiu Alalade – Nazifi Yahaya
Ade Emmanuel
