Nigeria’s youth national team, Flying Eagles’ coach, Abdu Maikaba has charged his players to avoid relaxing on their oars, after qualifying for the semi-finals of the West African Union (WAFU)-B U20 Championship, as they now have to battle Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.
Sports247 reports that Maikaba quickly turned his focus towards the last-four clash with Burkina Faso on Sunday, following his side’s second staright win at the competition, as they defeated Togo 3-0 in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.
It was a follow-up to the under-20 team’s 4-2 win over Ghana’s Black Satellites on Monday, but Maikaba insisted that his wards must not relax just yet, especially as he pointed out that they intiially found the going tough against Togo’s Sparrow Hawks, who proved difficult in the first half.
A report by the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) adds, “The Flying Eagles dominated early but were almost caught napping in the 38th minute when Togo missed a clear chance and shot wide.
“The game became open towards the end of the half with both sides launching onslaughts, but there was no breakthrough from either team. The first half ended scoreless with both sides on equal possession. Nigeria came out stronger after the break and broke the deadlock early.
“One minute into the second period, Muiz Adeleke, who netted a brace against the Black Satellites on Monday, put the Flying Eagles ahead to make it 1-0. Togo pushed to get back into the game but Nigeria’s defence stood firm and the team maintained good control.
“Adeleke got his second in the 59th minute. He went on a quick counter, rounded the Togolese goalkeeper and the handsome win was sealed in the 85th minute when substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye replaced Adeleke and immediately got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0.
“The Flying Eagles held on till the final whistle to secure the victory and a place in the semi-finals (where the) seven-time African champions face Burkina Faso on Sunday in what promises to be an explosive encounter.”
