By Babs Oyetoro
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles look very positive as they take on their next opponent- the Black Satelites on Wednesday in their campaign for the ticket for African U-20 Nations Cup in Mauritania next year as they were held to a score draw by Coted’Ivoire last Sunday at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto
The first match against Coted’ Ivoire brought out the quality the Ladan Bosso boys are made of and their resilient in the face of stiff opposition as the team was held to 1-1 draw by the Junior Elephants.
Pundits have predicted ahead of the match on Wednesday that the Flying Eagles would be a hard-nut to crack for their opponent as they have proved it in the first game.
Nwaeze’s goal appeared to have put Ladan Bosso’ side on course for an opening Group B win, but the Junior Elephants levelled later on.
Although, both sides created chances in an entertaining first half, with Peter Olawale and Nwaeze coming close for Nigeria. The contest continued and was evenly balanced in the opening 45 minutes, although Nigeria was having more joy in cutting out Coted’Ivoire attacks.
The curtain raiser eventually arrived on the hour mark. Crafty forward Wisdom Ubani sent an excellent delivery to the box and Nwaezwe showed gratitude with brilliant header beyond the keeper. The Flying Eagles were in complete control of the game until Nwaeze was sent to the showers for a second bookable offence on 71 minutes.
Despite playing with a man down, the determined Flying Eagles maintained their discipline and tactical awareness. But in the first minute of added time, Traore struck the equalizer and it ended 1-1 in Porto Novo.
Meanwhile, the brilliant performance of the Nigeria side has elicited hope that the second game against Ghana would give Nigerians cause for joy. The football pundits believe that everything looks positive for the Ladan Bosso tutored team if they maintain their tactical discipline and resilient to the end of the match.
