Nigeria U20 team, the
Flying Eagles, beat Sia-One Academy 4-1 to get off to a bright start in their build-up for next month’s U20 AFCON qualifiers against Burundi.
Victor Osimhen opened the floodgate of goals in an exciting match.
A well –worked move which started from the right wing found team captain Kelechi Nwakali who sent a through ball to an unmarked Victor Osimhen to slot home beautifully from close range in the 10th minute.
That goal brought out the best from the Sia-One boys as they began to dictate the pace in the middle of the park forcing the Flying Eagles to retreat.
A reckless tackle by the Sia-One defence -line resulted in a penalty that was converted by Kelechi Nwakali in the 45th minute to make it 2-0 in favour of the Nigeria U-20 at the end of the first half.
The second half saw the introduction of six new players by coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Winger Orji Okonkwo was a constant threat from the wing for the Flying Eagles and in one of his dazzling runs down the flanks, he let loose a shot that was deflected into the net by a Sia-One defender for the third goal of the match.
Sia-One Academy however pulled one back in the 74thminute through striker Victor Sunday who had a really good game in attack alongside enterprising midfielder, Gary Aondofa.
The fourth goal was also an own goal, but this time it took the brilliance of Victor Osimhen to force a sliding tackle that saw the ball sail into the net to make it a convincing 4-1 victory for the Flying Eagles.
Saturday’s friendly was the first of a series of friendly games lined up by Amuneke to prepare his team ahead of the two–legged fixture with the Burundians.