By Sedara Oluwadara
Nigeria U20 continued preparations for Africa Cup of Nations in impressive fashion by comfortably beating AS Roma Academy 2-0 in a friendly.
Manager Ladan Bosso made six changes from Thursday’s win against AA Zaura at FIFA Goal Project Pitch – and was rewarded with some fine individual displays and a commanding team performance.
Water FC full back Dominion Ohaka was the standout performer, pressing his AFCON claims with an outstanding contribution.
Nigeria U20 were on the attack from the start as Yahaya tried his luck with a volley inside the opening five minutes, but the keeper was able to parry the Wikki Tourists man’s effort clear.
The keeper continued to come under pressure as Haliru Sarki tried to get a shot away after being played in by Onuche Ogbule but was tackled before he could pull the trigger.
AS Roma had their first shot of the morning just after the half-hour mark, but the effort from the edge of the box failed to test Chijioke Aniagboso.
Nigeria U20 were soon involved down the other end again as Badamasi Umar attempted to catch the keeper out with a 30-yard finish, but it ended up going wide.
Ladan Bosso’s side continued to press for the opening goal as half time approached, but Yahaya twice missed the target in the final few minutes before the break, before finally picking out the bottom right corner after a cross from Dominion Ohaka.
Beginning of the second half saw the coach making wholesale changes to give other players the chance to shine.
Substitute Ayuba Francis doubled the lead for Flying Eagles on 50 minutes.
The Nigeria U20 team missed several opportunities and couldn’t score more goals.
How The Flying Eagles Lined Up: Chijioke Aniagboso, Dominion Ohaka, Hassan Shuaibu, Daniel Bamaiyi, Benjamin Frederick, Onuche Ogbelu, Aminu Mohammed, Ibrahim Yahaya, Haliru Sarki, Badamasi Umar, Anas Yusuf
