Categories: News

Golden Eaglets secure narrow win over Niger Republic

FIFA U17 World Cup defending champions, Nigeria, started their campaign for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Madagascar 2017 with a narrow 1-0 win over the Junior Menas of Niger Republic at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.

Nigeria took the lead as early as the second minute by Usman Musa (Babalolo) following a pass from Nazifi Yahaya.

But thereafter, it became a ding-dong affair with few chances in between throughout the end of the first half.

The second stanza produced no goal either as the Nigeriens defended in their numbers but Coach Manu Garba is yet upbeat about the second leg, which takes place in Niamey in a fortnight, adding that Nigeria as defending world champions would leave no stone unturned to progress to the next round.

“It was a difficult game but we thank God we won and by the grace of God, we are going to win in Niger,” Garba said afterwards.

Garba added: “Our expectations were high after we scored an early goal but we wasted a lot of chances thereafter. We have noticed our errors and we will correct them before the second leg; we just want Nigerians to be prayerful for these boys, we are going to qualify.”

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:46 pm

SoccerNet Editor

Our editorial team at Soccernet.ng boasts over a decade of combined experience in covering Nigerian football, delivering timely news, expert analysis, and engaging content. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, we connect fans to the heart of Nigerian and global football stories.

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

“Impotent Amorim” – Ex-Super Eagles captain reacts to Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has blasted Manchester United players for their poor defending… Read More

33 minutes ago

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

8 hours ago

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

10 hours ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

11 hours ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

11 hours ago