23 July 2011
Nine-man Flying Eagles fell 4-1 to Mexico at the Copa de la Republica tournament in Panama City Friday night.
In the other game of the night, hosts Panama beat Portugal 2-0 to allow Mexico emerge winners of the invitational tournament.
Coach John Obuh was again philosophical after this heavy defeat to Mexico.
“It will be a disaster if we dwell on this match with the World Cup just around the corner,” said Obuh in reference to a drama-filled game that recorded seven cautions and two red cards.
The Nigerian U20s got off to a flying start after just 22 minutes when Ahmed Musa opened scoring courtesy of a low drive from top of the box after a superb build-up play.
It was the African champions first goal in three matches.
Obuh threw new arrivals Ramon Azeez and Olanrewaju Kayode into the deep end from kick-off and it was the hustling style of Asec striker Kayode that seem to trouble the Mexican defence from onset.
He brought width and urgency to the Nigerian defence with his tireless runs down the right flank.
Mexico equalised on 33 minutes when Diego De Buen finally powered home a free kick from the edge of the Nigerian box after Kenneth Omeruo had fouled a goal-bound Mexican forward.
On six minutes, goalkeeper Danjuma Paul had parried to corner another trademark free kick by De Buen.
Kayode then came close twice before Mexico made it 2-1 after Alan Pulido skinned Omeruo before delightfully chipping past goalkeeper Paul.
The restart was delayed for over 10 minutes after Nigeria refused to go back to the pitch in protest over the failure of the referee Roberto Moreno to protect them on the pitch.
After the Flying Eagles were pacified, they continued to press for a leveller with Musa and Suswan involved in a superb interchange of passes only for the ball to overrun Musa inside the box.
Ulises Davila then increased the lead by Mexico after 58 minutes and soon after the Flying Eagles were dealt a big blow when Omeruo was sent off for his second booking after what looked like an innocuous challenge.
On 71 minutes, Ogungbe cleared off the goalline with Paul well beaten and moments later dangerman Alan Pulido put the game beyond the reach of the Flying Eagles with a fourth goal.
Nigeria’s bad day in the office was complete in the 79th minute when Abduljaleel Ajagun saw red. He was first booked for a late tackle and then sent off for dissent.
MATCH STATS
July 22 at Estadio Rommel Fernandez Panama City
Nigeria (1) 1 (Ahmed Musa 22)
Mexico (2) 4 (Diego Buen 33, Alan Pulido 41, 72, Ulises Davila 58)
Ref: Roberto Moreno (Panama)
Bookings: Kenneth Omerou 32; Kristian Alvarez 35; Taufic Guarch 45; Gani Ogungbe 53; Ahmed Musa 60;Abduljaleel Ajagun 79; Carlos Orrantia 86
Expulsions: Kenneth Omeruo 66; Abduljaleel Ajagun 79
Nigeria: Danjuma Paul (skipper) – Terna Suswan, Felix Odoh, Kenneth Omeruo, Emmanuel Anyanwu (Ganiu Ogungbe 46) – Ramon Azeez (Philemon Daniel 46), Abduljaleel Ajagun, Sani Tahir, Ahmed Musa, Egbedi Edafe (Bright Ejike 46) (Chimezie Mbah 76) – Olanrewaju Kayode (Uche Nwofor 46)
Coach: John Sam Obuh
Mexico: Carlos Lopez – Kristian Alvarez, Nestor Araujo (Skipper), Diego De Buen, Jorge Garcia (Marvin Pinon 69), Cesar Ibanez, Jorge Valencia, Saul Villalobos (Carlos Orrantia 56), Taufic Guarch (David Ramirez 61), Ulises Davila (Edson Rivera 74), Alan Pulido (Erick Torres 77)
Coach: Juan Carlos Chavez
See the original article here:
Flying Eagles fall again