A solid performance by a Super Eagles squad without a number of 1st team regulars due to injuries and an assortment of reasons saw them emerge with a 1-0 win over France in St. Etienne today. Coach Amodu Shuaibu fielded a squad without the likes of Yakubu, Obafemi Martins, John Mikel Obi, Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi and Joseph Yobo among others and his squad was still able to punish France on the counter attack and hold their own against Les Bleus. A fantastic 1st half perfomance by Peter Odemwingie was supplemented with excellent performances from Seyi Olofinjana, Ike Uche, Dele Adeleye and the back four as well as keeper Vincent Enyeama. In the 30th minute, Joseph Akpala scored the only goal of the match as he had little to do but tap in a sitter off an Ike Uche shot that rebounded off French keeper Steve Mandanda's post. Next up for the Eagles is the World Cup Qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on June 7th.
The match lineups
France
Steve Mandanda, Rod Fanni, Patrick Vieira (capt), Julien Escudé, Patrice Evra, Sébastien Squillaci, Alou Diarra, Franck Ribéry, Loïc Rémy, Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema.
Coach: Raymond Domenech.
Nigeria
1. Vincent Enyeama, 3. Adefemi Olubayo, 2. Elderson Echiejile, 14. Seyi Olofinjana, 19. Sam Sodje, 20. Dele Adeleye, 4. Nwankwo Kanu (capt), 11. Osaze Odemwingie, 16 Kalu Uche, 15 Ike Uche, 17, Joseph Akpala
Coach: Amodu Shuaibu
Check out the video of the lone goal
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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