Flying Eagles ready for final

By Esther Egbe

Seven-time African champions Nigeria reached the final round of the qualification series for the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations after a 1-0 home defeat of Guinea Bissau in Calabar on Sunday,National Daily gathered.

Following a scoreless first half, Nigeria’s two –goal hero in the first –leg, Wasiu Alalade was badly impaired in the penalty box in the 58th minute, presenting team-mate Adamu Alhassan the opportunity to blast home for the only goal of the match. With both teams having settled for a 2-2 draw in Bissau eight days ago, aggregate scoreline stood at 3-2 in the Flying Eagles’ favour.

Coach Paul Aigbogun told National Daily that his players have to prepare hard for the final round of the series, with Mauritania, conquerors of Guinea, the opponents in the month of July.

The Mauritanians won the first leg in Nouakchott 1-0 last weekend, and then scraped through on the away goal rule after Guinea could only win 3-2 in Conakry on Saturday.