Flying Eagles survive Congo scare in U20 Afcon test

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria U20 men’s national team survived a scare against Congo as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 in Rabat, Morocco.

Emmanuel Uchegbu and Lekan Salami secured the bragging rights for the Flying Eagles as the team got off to a flying start in their training tour on the North African soil in build up to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Flying Eagles dominated proceedings in the early stages of the game but couldn’t find a breakthrough before the Congolese side found a breakthrough to stun the Nigerians and claim the lead in the 21st minute,

Haliru Sarki, however, had a glorious chance to provide a quick response and level the score for the Flying Eagles in the but shot wide seven minutes later before Samson Lawal came close but also missed a sitter in the 33rd minute.

After the restart, Ladan Bosso brought on Emmanuel Uchegbu for Daniel Daga in the 52nd minute to boost the attack and Uchegbu introduction paid off as he notched the equalized for the Nigerian side 12 minutes later.

Boosted by the leveler, Augustine Njoku provided a terrific cross for Lekan Adams to head the Flying Eagles  in front for the first tine in the match with a fantastic header in the closing stages.

The win saw the Flying Eagles maintain their unbeaten run in test matches as they continue their intense preparation for the U20 AFCON.