The newly assembled Nigeria National U-15 team on Thursday defeated the Nigeria senior Women National team, Super Falcons 1-0 in a test match played at the package B of the Abuja National stadium.
A second half goal by substitute Sadiqu Mohammed ensured the U-15 boys recorded a win in their first test game since they resumed camp on Monday.
The U-15 boys are preparing for the maiden edition of the Africa Youth Games which will be hosted by Botswana next month, while the Super Falcons are fine-tuning strategies ahead of the Africa Women championship qualifying game against Rwanda.
After the game, chief coach of the National U-15 boys, Danladi Nasidi said he was satisfied with the display from his players.
“I’m very pleased with the performances of these boys today because, we have not stayed in camp for long and we were able to beat the Super Falcons, it’s encouraging.”
On his part the Chief Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon, attributed the loss to injuries suffered by his girls in previous games, but added that it was a nice experience.
“Today was simply not our day, you could see that my girls were very cautious in their approach, that was because a good number of them were carrying knocks. The doctors have however assured that they will be in good condition for our upcoming matches.” Okon said.
The game had in attendance top Nigeria Football Federation officials, including; Director of competition, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, Director technicals, Dr. Emmanuel Ekpeme, Chief technical officers, Siji Lagunju and Yusuf Rafiu among others.
Only thirty three U-15 players were invited to the Abuja camp, while players arrived on Monday, training only started the next day.
However, three players have already been dropped while the final list of 18 players to the Africa Youth Championship in May will be made public soon.
More local friendly matches have also been lined up for the team, including a test game against Kano based Hearts Academy scheduled for Saturday morning at the Package B of the Abuja National stadium.
National U-15 Line up vs Super Falcons.
Tajudeen abdul-Quwiyu (Gk)
Bello Mohammed
Izang Francis
Nambal Garuba
Ayinde Akin
Gidado Toheeb
Suleiman Mohammed
Okeke Chinaza
Mustapha Salisu
Nasifi Yahaya
Gero Ahmed Abdul
Substitutes.
Evis onyeze for Nasiyi
Ayosunkami Oso for Ayinde
Alli Musa for Bello Mohammed
Shrubak for Toheed
Feyi A. For Suleiman M.
Sadiqu Mohammed for Gero
We can become Africa champions at U-15 level………NNF
The Chief Technical officer of the Nigeria Football Federation, coach Siji Lagunju has revealed that the football house is working towards becoming Africa champions at the U-15 level through its youth development football programme.
Lagunju who made the statement in Abuja on Thursday after watching the National U-15 boys beat the Super Falcons 1-0 in a test game, said the NFF is putting everything in place to ensure victory at the upcoming Africa Youth championship in Botswana.
“The boys have barely spent 24 hours in camp and they have shown they can play football, we will be going to Botswana with the mind that we can become African champion at this level.
No doubt we still need to work on these boys in terms of their conditionings, techniques and by the time they spend three weeks in camp, you’ll see the Nigeria spirit in them.” Lagunju concluded.
Thirty three Nigeria National U-15 Team players are in camp in Abuja ahead of the Africa Youth championship billed for May in Botswana.
The NFF are also working towards having the boys relocated to Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, to allow for proper concentration ahead of the games.
The NFF youth development football programme has produced players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Eze, among others who helped Nigeria to win gold at the 2013 FIFA U-17 championship in UAE.
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