The Flying Eagles of Nigeria, last night, defeated the Gambia U-20 side 2-1 in a fiercely compteted international friendly match watched by thousands of enthusiastic fans and dignitaries at the Independence Stadium, Bakau.

The Eagles came from behind to snatch the winner, scoring one in each half. However, the Darling Scorpions arguably made the five-times CAF U-20 Champions worked for the victory.

Gambia U-20 versatile mid-fielder, Saja Leigh, capitalised on Nigeria’s weak defence to slot in the opener in the 14th minute before the Eagles fetched the leveller in 38 minutes-thanks to Owello Solomon James thunderous shoot. Sadia Suraj scored a fascinating goal in the 50th minute to seal the game at 2-1.

Last night’s defeat was U-20’s first set back since they started the 2007 Youth Championship campaign. The home side started the game with brink of confidence. In the 10th minute, Pa Landing Conateh was blocked in the Nigeria’s box as he tried to launch an attack.
Two minutes later, Leigh put Gambia forward when he capitalised on Eagles weak defence. In the 20 minute, Abdoulie Mansally’s glancing header went just inches from the stand-bar.

This was enough to put the visiting side on the alert. Okardi Blessing’s range shoot went off target, before Pa Landing Conateh squandered another clear-cut chance for the Gambia. In the 36th minute, Eagles keeper, Thomas Olifemi saved his side after the linesman allowed a controversial on-side. Two minutes later, Nigeria were at par when Owello Solomon James range-shoot beat Christopher Allen.

Fresh from break, Gambia nearly gained the upper hand again, but Pa Landing Conateh astonishingly saw his weighted shoot winced inches from the woodwork. In the 50th minute, Nigeria took the lead with Sadia Suraj’s dazzling brace.

Moments later, coach Bonu Johnson reactivated his side with the introduction of Demba Savage and Saine Nyassi at the expense of prolific Pa Landing Conateh and Saja Saja Leigh. The fresh legs helped the home side create numerous scoring chances in the final minute, but the careful Eagle defence will not give any breathing space before the game wrapped at 2-1 final scoreline

In a post match interview with journalists, coach Bonu Johnson said his side created chances only to have poor finishings. He said the Nigerian side were determined, adding that the game was meant to expose the new faces in his team. “We have learnt a lesson from the game and we will work on our corrections before the championship proper”, he said.

The Nigerian coach, Godwin Uwua said his side did not include the foreign-based players, adding that Nigeria are ready to defend the title in Congo. Coach Uwua added that the Gambian are not a bad team, advising his colleague, Bonu Johnson, not to plan his team on individuals.