Nigeria overcame Zambia's Junior Chipolopolos in the first match of their group stage encounter
Nigeria full back, Yahaya Lawali, expressed delight for scooping the Man of the Match award following Golden Eaglets's victory against Zambia.
The 16-year-old disclosed that earning the award is a huge boost for him, and he dedicated it to his coach and other team members.
A goal from Favour Daniel in the 76th minute helped Nduka Ugbade's team defeat the Southern Africans in the first match of Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Meanwhile, Lawali, who had a significant impact on the Golden Eaglet's left flank, could be seen manning threats on the Zambian defence as well as defending any potential dangers from the opponents.
Following his performance for the Nigeria under-17 team, he was named MOTM, which he then dedicated to his teammates.
What a performance! 😍🔝
Ladies and getlemen, Yahaya Danjuma lawali is the #NGAZAM TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 🏅 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/CWBRw3iiQr
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) April 30, 2023
“I am really delighted, and this means a lot to me. Being named man of the match in the first game for the team is a massive encouragement,” The Mahanaim FC player said, as quoted by Cafonline.
“This is not my trophy, though.” he continued. “It belongs to the team; the coaches, the staff and my teammates. We all worked hard for this.”
The two-time AFCON champions will hope to build on their first victory at the tournament when they lock horns with Morocco on Wednesday.
