AFCON

Golden Eaglets’ full-back Yahaya Lawali dedicates MOTM award to the team

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.

“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.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

4 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

4 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

4 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

5 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

6 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

6 hours ago