[caption id="attachment_15946" align="aligncenter" width="1265"]
Golden Eaglets appreciates the supporters after the win over Zambia today.[/caption]
Nigeria's Under-17 football team got their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations u-17 tournament in Algeria courtesy of a 1-0 win over Zambia in a thrilling game on Sunday.
The Golden Eaglets, who are two time champions at this level looked decent in the tie. Precious Williams should have put the Eaglets ahead in the 39th minute when his strike was well read by the Zambian goalie and his save deflected the ball on to the crossbar. Moments later, Zambia found space in the Nigerian defense and Mwanza's well struck shot came off the crossbar beating the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The match remained evenly poised until the 76th minute, when one of Nigeria's biggest prospect in the competition Favour Daniel pounced on a loose ball and scored what would prove to be the winning goal.
Despite an improved performance and late pressure from Zambia, Nigeria's defense held firm and almost doubled the lead late on when Abdullahi was brought down in the box, the resulting spot kick from Light Eke was comfortably saved by the Zambian goalkeeper. In the end, the Golden Eaglets secured the victory to go top of their group.
Nigeria's fullback Yahaya Lawali who was voted the man of the match said afterwards that it was the little details that made the difference on the day.
The Golden Eaglets will play its second group game against Morocco while Zambia will tackle South Africa with both matches billed for Wednesday.
Image credit - CAF
Golden Eaglets appreciates the supporters after the win over Zambia today.[/caption]
Nigeria's Under-17 football team got their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations u-17 tournament in Algeria courtesy of a 1-0 win over Zambia in a thrilling game on Sunday.
The Golden Eaglets, who are two time champions at this level looked decent in the tie. Precious Williams should have put the Eaglets ahead in the 39th minute when his strike was well read by the Zambian goalie and his save deflected the ball on to the crossbar. Moments later, Zambia found space in the Nigerian defense and Mwanza's well struck shot came off the crossbar beating the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The match remained evenly poised until the 76th minute, when one of Nigeria's biggest prospect in the competition Favour Daniel pounced on a loose ball and scored what would prove to be the winning goal.
Despite an improved performance and late pressure from Zambia, Nigeria's defense held firm and almost doubled the lead late on when Abdullahi was brought down in the box, the resulting spot kick from Light Eke was comfortably saved by the Zambian goalkeeper. In the end, the Golden Eaglets secured the victory to go top of their group.
Nigeria's fullback Yahaya Lawali who was voted the man of the match said afterwards that it was the little details that made the difference on the day.
The Golden Eaglets will play its second group game against Morocco while Zambia will tackle South Africa with both matches billed for Wednesday.
Image credit - CAF
