Flying Eagles Coach Takes Positives From Colombia Draw
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria battled to a 3-3 draw with Colombia in Tuesday’s pre-FIFA U-20 World Cup friendly match, at the Estadio 20 October in Tristán Suárez, Buenos Aires.
Colombia went ahead after 26 minutes when central defender Abel Ogwuche put the ball past his own goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso. The seven-time African champions then equalised in the 44th minute when winger Jude Sunday fired a scorching shot from outside the box.
However, the South Americans were back in the lead before half-time after they converted from the penalty spot. The Colombians then made it 3-1 in the 73rd minute. But winger Ibrahim Mohammed pulled one back for Nigeria just four minutes later. The Flying Eagles then made the scores 3-3 when Emmanuel Umeh scored in the 89th minute.
Head Coach Isah Ladan Bosso was full of warm words for the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation for organising the thrilling friendly with Colombia.
“We thank the NFF leadership for organising such a good test for the team. I am happy with the result,” Coach Bosso said after the match. “This will bolster the team mentally and psychologically for the World Cup starting in a few days.
“The match has provided us with a stiff test and has also strengthened us for the big task ahead. We are focused on the big challenge ahead, which is to put up a creditable performance that will match the pedigree of our country at this championship.”
“Our ultimate target is to have a good campaign and with this result, we will be very ready for our first match against the Dominican Republic on Sunday,” Bosso added.
The match against Colombia drew the curtain on the Flying Eagles’ activities in Buenos Aires, and they will fly into Mendoza on Wednesday afternoon ahead of their first game against the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Their second match, against Italy on Wednesday next week, will also take place in Mendoza.
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