Team Regroups Ahead Niger Friendly


The Super Eagles continued their build-up for the friendly against Niger Republic next Wednesday with a hard fought 2-0 win over FCT Federation Cup winners Police Machine FC.

Enyimba’s Uche Kalu and Sanusi Sanni of Gombe United got the goals in both halves.

The game started at exactly 8:20am with the FCT side made up of entirely serving policemen taking the early fight to the national team.

They were however repelled by the back four of Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwueke, Papa Idris and Juwon Oshaniwa.

Early chances fell to Kalu but were all wasted, but in the 30th minute Oshaniwa’s overlapping run from the left was brutally cut short and referee Aniete wasted no time in awarding a direct free-kick from about 20yards. Kalu stepped forward to blast home the kick for the curtain raiser

Eagles coach Stephen Keshi featured an entirely fresh team in the second half safe for two players. Moses Ocheje was in goal and made an early save from number 10 shirted Kabiru Ismail, while Abdul Garba and Godwin John all of Police Machine also caused tension on the Eagles bench.

But the stars of the half were 3SC Midfielder, Philip Asuquo and Sanusi Sanni of Gombe United.

Asuquo’s command of the midfield and Sanni’s deft touches in the attack troubled the police team all morning and it was no surprise when the duo aided by the experience of Izu Azuka combined beautifully for Sanni to blast home the second goal moments before the referee’s final whistle in the 89th minute. Keshi said he has made necessary observations and corrections will be continuous in the team ahead of the Niger Republic friendly.