TheCable

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets lost 2-1 to Gabon on Sunday in the first leg final qualifying round of 2015 African Under-17 Championship at the Stade Augustin Monedan de Sibang in Libreville.

Nigeria took the lead as early as the fourth minute courtesy of Victor Osimhen’s goal.

But the Gabonese equalised in the 26th minute through Moubouhy Ngouba.

Maomikolo Boundembi got the winner in the 80th minute, shortly after Eaglets goal scorer, Osimhen saw red.

Speaking shortly after the game, Eaglets coach and ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke, said his boys tried their best but blamed poor officiating and poor marksmanship for the loss.

“The boys gave their best under the circumstances that we found ourselves, especially the difficult travelling arrangement which caused fatigue especially in the second half,” Amuneke said.

“But with all sense of responsibility, the officiating of this match was poor but we have to put this behind us and focus on the second leg.

“From what we have seen, we would have come out with a better result if we had taken our chances in the first half but we can get better at home,” he said.

The return leg is billed for Nigeria in two weeks’ time.

The eventual winner of the match will qualify for the Junior Championship to be staged in Niger in February.

Nigeria are the defending world champions.

Eaglets lineup:

A.Benjamin, A. Mohammed, D. Ayodeji, H. Zakari, U. Abass, K. Nwakali, E. Agenor (K.Michael), P. Orji (S.Chukwueze), K.Ayinde (E.Osinachi), S. Abdullahi, V. Osimhen