Coach Paul Aigbogun and his recently assembled U20 team of Nigeria won their first test game by beating FC Abuja 2-1 in a friendly game decided at the practice pitch of the Goal Project in Abuja.
The team who have been in training for three weeks under the guidance of the Enyimba coach started the game with intent to win, with Wasiu Alalade giving them an early lead.
Ikouwem Udoh increased the goal tally for the Flying Eagles less than 20 minutes into the game, and it could have been more but wastefulness in front of goal made them go into the break leading 2-0.
Nigeria National League (NNL) side FC Abuja scored what ended as a consolation as the Flying Eagles hanged on to claim a win in their first test game as they step up their preparations for their upcoming competitive engagements.
Later in the year they are expected to take part in a tournament in Egypt, all as part of preparations for the qualifiers of the African Youth Championship, which they failed to qualify for last year under the guidance of coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Amuneke’s team lost on the away goal rule after losing 3-2 in Lagos, a fortnight after they beat Sudan 2-0 in Khartoun, no thanks to the water logged pitch they played the return leg in Lagos.
Ade Emmanuel
