Nigeria’s Flying Eagles got off their campaign at the Africa U-20 Nations Cup in Niger to a bright start following a 2-0 win against Burundi at the Stade Seyni Kountche on Saturday, Completesports.com reports.
Paul Aigbogun ‘ s charges failed to register a goal in the first half despite a dominant display as they wasted a number of goal scoring chances.
Aigbogun introduced Effiom Maxwell six minutes after the break and the change yield positive impact with his side opening the score six minutes after the break.
Nafizu Yahaya finished off a fine cross with a timely header in the 55th minute to set the Flying Eagles on the road for the important win.
The West Africans piled more pressure on the Burundians and were rewarded for their efforts when Effiom scored the second 20 minutes from time.
The substitute beat off a marker and slotted the ball into the net from close range.
In the first Group A clash also on Saturday, hosts Niger and the Amajita of South Africa battled to 1-1 draw.
Nigeria top the group with three points, while Niger and South Africa have one point each. Burundi occupy last position with zero point.
The Flying Eagles will face South Africa in their next game on Tuesday.
By Adeboye Amosu
7 Comments
Nigeria vs Burundi
●The level of apathy among Nigerian fans is disheartening. While the flying Eagles were sweating it out in Niger, Nigerians were busy discussing the outcome of the Chelsea vs Huddrsfield match. What is happening to our love for the Nigerian brand?
●We played well, but we should not let the results get into our heads because, with all due respect to Burundi, they are not a match for the Flying Eagles. The last time they played in this competition was 24 years ago. That speaks volumes of their lack of experience. The real test for us will be in the semi finals.
●Though we dominated in all aspects of the game, we were not clinical in from of goal. At the end of the 1st half, we had 8 shots at goal (Burundi had nothing), but non of them were converted.
●The age controversy: I hate to argue about the age of our players until I have something more than mere looks to base my suspicions on. However, our boys certainly looked older.
Congratulations Flying Eagles for a job well done
The benefits of running a good league. Nigeria can field an under 20 side comprising ONLY English Premier league side players. Our local clubs should be mandated to develop age group sides from the ages of 7,8, under 10 as well as under 17, 20 and 23 squads to feed their clubsides and include schooling as part of their curriculum.
There are fifty six Nigerians registered with English league sides. Although the headlines say they are eligible for selection the following caveats apply:
1. We operate an Under 20 side not an under 21 side (one year makes a difference in eligibility)
2. In UEFA rules a player can be upto 23 and still be eligible to play for under 21. If Na we now people (especially Nigerians) will shout “ojoro, age cheating”
3. Some of the players will turn down the option of playing for Nigeria, rather they fancy their chances in the England squad as it will increase their career prospects and salary earning potential
4. Many of the clubs will not release the players for AFCON. In fact most will not. Jayden Bennett’s and Yusuf Ojebode for k stance were not allowed to play in the competition.
“English topflight teams have submitted their updated squad lists to the Premier League following the close of the January transfer window.
The squads are made up of homegrown players, non-homegrown players and players under the age of 21.
Manchester United’s Matthew Olosunde, who recently recovered from injury, is included on the list as an U21 player and is available for selection for the remainder of the season.
Flying Eagles invitee Jayden Bennetts and Emmanuel Adebiyi are listed by Watford squad as U21 players.
Jonathan Afolabi, David Agbontohoma, Roland Idowu, Oludare Olufunwa and Nathan Tella are among the U21 players in the Southampton squad.
The Bournemouth U21 roster contains Dominic Solanke and Nigeria U20 international Nnamdi Ofoborh, while recuperating defender Ayo Tanimowo has been listed by Brighton & Hove.
Burnley’s Tunde Bayode and Chima Udoka were not named in the 25-man squad but qualify as U21 players.
Crystal Palace U21 squad includes : Josh Ajayi, Joseph Hungbo and Ehizojie Onoabhagbe.
Korede Adedoyin, Ademola Lookman and Dennis Adeniran are among the Everton U21 players available for selection.
The following players also qualify to play in the Premier League as U21 players, bringing the total number of Nigeria-eligible players to fifty six.
Arsenal (9) : Ryan Alebiousu, Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun, Tolaji Bola, Arthur Okonkwo, James Olayinka, Joseph Olowu, Tobi Omole, Bukayo Saka
Chelsea (4) : Jordan Aina, Faustino Adebola Rasheed Anjorin, Ike Ugbo, Tariq Uwakwe.
Fulham (2) : Timmy Abraham, Tayo Edun
Huddersfield Town (2) : Andrew Ijiwole, Mustapha Olagunju
Leicester City (3): Edward Elewa-Ikpakwu, Layton Ndukwu, Calvin Ughelumba
Liverpool (1) : Bobby Adekanye
Manchester City (6) : Gavin Bazunu, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Felix Nmecha, Nathanael Ogbeta, Oluwatimilehin Sobowale
Tottenham Hotspur (4) : Luke Amos, Timothy Eyoma, Jubril Okedina, Joshua Oluwayemi
West Ham United (4) : Tunji Akinola, Ajibola Alese, Daniel Jinadu, Joshua Okocha
Wolves (2) : Michael Agboola, Owen Otasosowie
Well done BigD, our reservoir of football data, facts and figures. I also enjoy your and look out for your comments. And you are really matured and avoid fighting with words
But I want to know, do we have any foreign based in the team.
@Ikeben, yes 3 players. The rest are local based players. Norway’s league has ended and will resume in March so they had no problem releasing players for this tournament.
Other leagues will not be able to withhold players for the FIFA world cup proper as they will be mandated to release players willing to pay for Nigeria in a proper FIFA organised competition.
Yahaya Nazifi (Sonderjyske FC, Denmark)
Afeez Aremu (IK Start, Norway)
Igoh Ogbu (Rosenburg FC, Norway
Ok, thanks
BigD, clubs can withold players for FIFA age-grade tournaments so they can only hope on the goodwill of the clubs. For instance, Dortmund recalled Jordan Sancho from the victorious England U-17 squad before the semifinals. Also Iheanacho & Iwobi being refused participation in the 2016 Olympics. Clubs have say if it is a Full(Senior) international sanctioned by FIFA.
I meant the clubs have no say in the Senior competitions sanctioned by FIFA.