Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, on Tuesday, defeated their Egyptian counterparts, Young Pharaohs, 2-1 in a pre-Africa U20 Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals as Nigeria successfully defended her WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October (including a brace in the final that dashed Ghana’s hopes), scored Nigeria’s first in the 10th minute of the encounter.
He scored from a good pass from Bidemi Amole.
The Young Pharaohs equalised in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka.
However, a dominant Nigeria side shot into the lead again with seven minutes left on the clock after Precious Benjamin made no mistake from the spot, following a foul on Divine Oliseh in the hosts’ eighteen-yard box.
Seven-time African champions Nigeria achieved the morale-boosting victory less than 48 hours after arriving in the Egyptian capital for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which gets underway on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles’ first match is against Tunisia on Thursday next week, before further games against Morocco and Kenya in Group B.
On their part, hosts Egypt, who head Group A, will take on South Africa on Sunday before further games against Sierra Leone on 30th April, Zambia on 3rd May, and Tanzania on 9th May.
NFF mourns demise of former FIFA referee, Bosede Momoh
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled with the FCT Referee Council and the entire refereeing fraternity in Nigeria over the death of a former FIFA Assistant Referee, Bosede Momoh on April 21.
Momoh was said to have passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.
General Secretary of NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed ‘very deep sorrow’ over the passing of the former arbiter, describing her as a ‘gentle but firm and conscientious referee’ who endeared herself to all with her amiable manners, dedication to the cause, fairness and utmost discipline.
“Late Bosede Momoh was kind-hearted and of good character, yet firm and diligent in her duties. The NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity will miss her, as she was still contributing meaningfully to the game even after her retirement as a FIFA referee.
“She was a National Physical Fitness instructor and also an assessor with the Nigeria Premier Football League.
“She left a good name, and we pray that the Almighty will grant her eternal rest and also grant her friends, family, and other loved ones, and the refereeing fraternity, the fortitude to bear the big loss,” Sanudi said.
By Dianabasi Effiong
