The home-based Super Eagles team on Friday afternoon got desired stiff challenge from Nigeria National League side, FC Abuja in a friendly match played at the artificial pitch of the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja which ended 1-0.
Head Coach Stephen Keshi, started with his probables like team captain Chigozie Agbim in goal, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke in the heart of the defence, Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe as wing backs on the left and right respectively. Ayo Saka, Gomo Onduku and Femi Oladapo were the midfield choices while Sunday Mba played behind the strike duo of Gambo Mohammed and Ezekiel Mba, who started ahead of Etebor Ejiroghene.
The Eagles dominated play in the first half with Mba, Gambo and Ezekiel all coming close in the 10th, 20th and 22nd minutes. But it was Gomo’s flash from 32yards that was palmed into a corner kick that highlighted the half which ended goalless.
Keshi made a clean sweep of the players and brought in the possibles with Dan Akpeyi, Rabiu Ali, Etebor, Joseph Osiagbanmu and U20 star Alhaji Gero the main actors. Midway into the half, Joseph’s clean dribble resulted in him been hacked down in the 18 yard box and referee Aniete Ukoh wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Rabiu Ali promptly dispatched the goal, which remained the only one of the game.
Keshi praised the resilience of the opposition and told the players to expect a better opposition in Abidjan in eight days time.
Also addressing the team after the game the House Committee Chairman on Sports Honourable Godfrey Gaya, praised the consistency of the squad and assured that government at the highest level was as supportive of the home squad as they are of the foreign legion. “In fact the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, was supposed to have been here to watch the game but thought it was later in the day”.
He said the Super Eagles have become role models to Nigerian youths and they cannot afford to take their legs off the pedal at this time, as Nigerians are eagerly awaiting their qualification for CHAN for the first time since the tournament began. Team Skipper, Agbim assured that the team will not let the nation down as the players are taking the return leg as if there was never a first leg encounter.
