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Olympic Eagles Suffer Narrow Defeat Against Sudan

Nigerian national Under 23 Eagles suffered a narrow defeat against their Sudanese opponents in the first-leg of their final round qualifying fixture for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, held at the Al Merreikh Stadium, Omdurman, Sudan on Thursday September 5, 2019.

The Nigerian side started the game brightly and dominated possession throughout the game. However, converting chances into goal proved difficult for the Eagles as Taiwo Awoniyi, who plies his trade with German League side, Mainz, and Stephen Odey, who plays for Belgian giants, Genk, came really close to gifting Nigeria the lead. The likes of  Nda Olisa, Sunday Faleye, and Muyiwa Olabiran were a constant torn in the flesh of the Sudanese side as they tormented their defense line throughout the contest.

Stephen Odey, in the 22nd minute of the tie, missed a great chance to put the West African side ahead from close range. Seven minutes from the break, Taiwo Awoniyi was brought down in the 18 yard box but appeals for a penalty by Nigerian players fell on deaf ears as the central referee from Djibouti overruled their calls.

Eldin Musa gifted the home side the lead on the stroke of half-time, a goal which would turn out to be the decider of the crucial encounter. Nigeria piled more pressure on the home team in the closing stages as coach Imama Amapakabo made some vital changes in which Sanusi Ibrahim was replaced with 20 minutes left on the clock. Fatai Gbadamosi substituted Faleye, and Sunday Adetunji was brought on for Awoniyi. Despite these changes, the host team maintained their slight advantage.

The second-leg tie is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, with the Eagles needing a two goal advantage to qualify ahead of their North African rivals. After the return-leg fixture, the overall winner will qualify for the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations which will be hosted by Egypt in November, 2019 and will determine Africa’s representatives for the men’s football category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Source:

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