John Egbokhan & Fidelis Ebu
27 October 2009
Nigeria's Eaglets scrapped up their first win of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a slim win over Honduras last night at the Abuja National Stadium.
Abdul Ajagun smashed in the only goal of the match to put Nigeria one foot in round of 16. The South Americans still without a win or a point, gave the Eaglets much to chew, with resolute defending in the first half of the encounter dominated by the Eaglets who must now earn a point in their last group game against Argentina.
Honduras played more men behind the ball and waited for counters, but Nigeria kept possession in the middle, but they failed to create scoring chances. The first real shot at goal was from Edafe Egbedi. He pounced on to ball floated from the right. However, his rising shot was parried over the bar by Honduras keeper, Allan Angelino.
On the break, Honduras reviewed their strategy and poured forward, looking for a break. They almost broke the hearts of the scanty crowd. However, Dami Paul in goal for the Eaglets saved the day with well timed dive to deny Honduras captain, Anthony Lonaza, who took a low shot from 25 yards out.
That was all the Eaglets needed to up their game. Stanley Okoro ran at the defence and created anxious moments, but all he got was a booking for diving. He was back at the spot for more and almost got the opener for the Eaglets, but his free header off a pull out by Egbedi was just off the mark.
Two minutes later, Ajagun curled home from out side the box, off a rebound. The ball rested at the back of the Honduras net and it was good night.
Nigeria will now play Argentina on Friday in Bauchi. A win will see them toping the group. A draw will render the outcome of the Germany vs Honduras game useless, while a loss will throw a life line to the Germans who lost earlier in the evening to Argentina after taking the lead.
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