Flying Eagles
The Flying Eagles on Wednesday tested their strength in friendly game with Remo Stars of Shagamu in Lagos, ending the match for their build-up to Sundays qualifier 2-2.
The game was part of the build-up matches to the crucial qualifier against Sudan in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
The Nduka Ugbade-coached Remo Stars are the current Nigeria National League (NNL) leaders and are hoping to gain promotion to the elite division.
The Flying Eagles are also hoping to qualify for the 2017 U-20 African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Zambia.
The first leg of the qualifying match against the Sudanese side played in Khartoum had ended 2-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles.
The return leg to be played in Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday should ensure a smooth passage for the Nigerian players to the Nations Cup.
However, not taking chances, the Flying Eagles have been engaging in series of friendly matches to shape up the team, one of which is the game against Remo Stars.
The match saw the Emmanuel Amuneke boys in a more determined fashion squaring up with the NNL side for a draw.
A defensive error by Remo’s Ekene Awaze gave the U-20 side the lead before Remo equalised through a penalty converted by Ochei Salifu.
The Flying Eagles players however missed a glorious opportunity to end the game when a lazy spot kick was comfortably kept by Remo’s goalkeeper.
Orji Okonkwo, however, put the U-20 boys on the lead before a late equaliser by Promise Onu to draw level.
On the importance of the match, Flying Eagles Gaffer, Amuneke, said the match was meant to improve on his side’s performance for the crucial qualifiers ahead.
“There is nothing special about the game; it is just like a practicing match for us to perfect our game, look at the areas we have to improve on.
“We are looking up to the game on Sunday, hopefully on Saturday we will be able to put up some much better performance.
“The lessons from the friendlies are what we keep in the team. We are aware that the Sudanese are a quality side too.
“The first phase of our team is almost rounding up and that is qualification to Zambia and we will make it,’’ he said.
Amuneke also reiterated that his team was a young team that needed more time and focus to be able to deliver the expectation of Nigerians.
“We are a young team working very hard and working as a team. We are trying as individuals too.
“Football is a continuous process and if I tell you today that this team is the best team, nothing has changed about that but our major focus is now on how to defend.
“We need to withstand pressure, football is about offensive and defensive and ability to read the game and make the best use of opportunities; defend very well and be on the offensive.
“Friendly matches are designed to build the confidence of the players,’’ he said.
Amuneke added that he hoped to see his U-20 side becoming the dream team of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and play in the 2022 World Cup
“We have played a lot of big teams to build the team and we are hoping or targeting that in 2022 World Cup, this team will make Nigerians happy.
“We should be proud of our team, I am happy that we can see some good footballers that make Nigerians happy.
“We want all the support from Nigerians; we hope that the current squad will form the bulk of the Super Eagles dream team,’’ he said.
Flying Eagles draw 2-2 with Remo Stars in friendly
0 Comments: