Flying Eagles: Obuh Optimistic Despite Defeat

Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh  has pledged that his team would live up to expectations at the 2013 AYC after the team lost 2-1 to Esperance in a warm-up match.

Obuh made the remarks in a statement signed by the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu in Abuja.

The team had lost its first game to its Tunisian U20 counterparts 2-0 last Thursday.

“The result was again not what we expected, but the performance of the team has reassured us we will be the team to beat in Algeria.

“It was a good game but we have to work on our goal scoring ability, and I expect the players not to lose their composure even after the referee made some bad calls.

“All the same, I believe in this team, we have worked very hard, and we will continue to work even harder to ensure the best for Nigeria,” it said..

The statement noted that the Flying Eagles created the best chances in a goalless first half, and would again have to blame their finishing for not going ahead in this test game.

It said that Christian Pyabara had an effort blocked by goalkeeper Wassim Naouara from inside the box after 27 minutes and in the 35th minute.

It said that skipper Abduljaleel Ajagun failed to make the most of a free header right inside the box.

“The biggest chance of the first period fell to Pyabara, but he somehow shot over the bar after a great work from the left by Alhaji Gero.

“Esperance took the lead in the 50th minute after goalkeeper Jonah Usman failed to clear the ball and in the ensuing melee Lampjed Chehoudi fired home.’’

It added that the Tunisian champions doubled their advantage two minutes later when Kingsley Madu committed a foul inside the penalty box.

According to the statement, Nigeria’s midfielder Moses Orkuma was sent off for retaliation in the 59th minute.

However, substitute Umar Aminu pulled a goal back for the African youth champions in the 67th minute after a flowing team play.

It said that the Flying Eagles finished stronger as they continued to fight for the equaliser, but Esperance held out to barely shade a hard-fought encounter.

The Tide source reports that the Flying Eagles are slated to play two more friendly matches before hitting Algeria for the 2013 AYC in Algeria.