Golden Eaglets overcome Global FC 2-1 in Calabar Friendly

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A goal in each half by Chinedu Madueke and Promise Orji was enough as the Nigeria’s Under-17 team; Golden Eaglets recorded another victory against ambitious Global FC at the University of Calabar’s Abraham Ordia Stadium on Saturday.

Global FC managed by Coach Baron Ikechukwu Okeke, facility manager of Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar, offered much resistance and were also rewarded with a second-half goal by substitute, Lawrence Amid.

The match was an opportunity for Coach Emmanuel Amuneke to test fringe players before picking 30 in preparation for the team’s final qualifier towards Niger 2015 Championship against Gabon in September.

The first real chance of the match did not come until quarter of an hour when midfielder Henry Okebugwu meandered his way into the edge of Global’s box but his bubbly shot was saved by Goalkeeper Ben Ofem. Yet the Eaglets kept the opposition at bay and in the 30th minute, Sunday
Alimi operating from the right flank whipped-in a pullout for Madueke to score the opener.

Some five minutes later, Global FC’s Samuel Effiong nicknamed Tevez after the hardworking Argentine striker (Carlos) nearly got his team’s equaliser but his powerful volley only
graced the goal post into corner.

Amuneke further shuffled the team on resumption by drafting in seven fresh substitutes and it was newcomer Prince Omosowhofa who captained St. Thomas of Benin to win the 2014 NNPC/Shell Cup , that almost added a second goal in the 55th minute but his shot touched the bar away.

Orji, however, was at the right place when he rose above everyone to nod straight into the net a corner kick by Nuru Umar in the 69th minute. Global FC gingered on by Coach Okeke on the side line, won’t give up though and in the 83rd minute, Amid powered home a header beyond Eaglets’ goalkeeper, Ebuka Nwokeocha off a free-kick by James Junior.

“This was a good match for us, “admitted Okeke. “The Golden Eaglets as expected, were better organised; we have really seen areas we need improvement and I want to personally wish the Golden Eaglets success in their forthcoming match against Gabon.”