CHAN 2014: Eagles Pip FC Abuja In Test Game

Nigeria National League side, FC Abuja based in the Federal Capital lost 1-0 despite proving a hard nut to crack for the Super Eagles in Friday’s test match played at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja.

The game which was watched by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon Godfrey Gaya, NFF Technical Committee member, Austen Elumelu and Coach Siji Lagunju of the NFF among others was highly explosive and technical with fans on the edge of their seats for the better part of the game.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi, started with his probables like Skipper Chigozie Agbim in goal, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke in the heart of the defence, Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe as wing backs on the left and right respectively.

Ayo Saka, Gomo Onduku and Femi Oladapo were the midfield choices while Sunday Mba played behind the strike duo of Gambo Mohammed and Ezekiel Mba, who started ahead of Etebor Ejiroghene.

The Eagles dominated play in the first half with Mba, Gambo and Ezekiel all coming close in the 10th, 20th and 22nd minutes.

But it was Gomo’s flash from 32yards that was palmed into a corner kick that highlighted the half which ended goaless.

Keshi made a clean sweep of the players and brought in the possibles with Dan Akpeyi, Rabiu Ali, Etebor, Joseph Osiagbanmu and U20 star Alhaji Gero the main actors.

Midway into the half, Joseph’s clean dribble resulted in him been hacked down in the 18 yard box and referee Aniete Ukoh wasted no time in pointing to the spot.

Rabiu Ali promptly dispatched the goal, which remained the only one of the game.

Keshi praised the resilience of the opposition and told the players to expect a better opposition in Abidjan in eight days’ time, 27th July, 2013.

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