Eaglets coach, John Obuh is usually calm and very calculated, but today he lets off steam after Sanni Emmanuel tucked home a beautiful goal from his spot kick to help Nigeria finish as leaders of Group A with seven points, dismissing Argentina 2-1 in their last group game, reports Samm Etuk.
“I felt like jumping, but that’s not me. I must concentrate and guide the boys well. At a time I was disappointed when they momentarily lost concentration, it was a very technical game that we needed to be on our toes all the time,” Obuh told africansportsdigest.com moments after the match.
He added that he is going home to rest this night and prepare for the second round games: “I am happy the boys are improving with every game because they’ve never had this kind of exposure, it’s good for us.”
Germany whipped Honduras 3-1 to finish third in the group amassing five points, while Argentine with six points are the second.
The Argentine drew the first blood in the second minutes of the game, when Estafan Orfano beat Nigeria’s keeper, Paul to register the first goal. He intercepted the ball, walked into the Nigerian area and released a left footer shot into the net. The goal temporarily silenced the vociferous Bauchi fans, who came out in great numbers to cheer the defending champions.
But the Eaglets were not cowed as in their previous matches where more rooms were given to their opponents to operate. They knew what was expected from them and stepped up the acts. Three minutes after the opener, Omeruo dropped a ball in the six yard box of the Argentine off a corner kick for Omoh Ojabu to net the equalizer.
The equalizer buoyed the Nigerians, who came out pinning the cautious Argentine in their half searching for the winner. There were few goals attempt till the first stanza came to a close.
On resumption, both sides settled for their normal game and tried to move out sizing up each other defensive strength. But Ojabu, the Nigerian scorer injured his knee and was immediately pulled out for Sani Emmanuel. The newcomer was desperate for a goal as his third minute strike just missed the target for an Argentine relief.
There were torrential attacks from the Nigerians. Ramon Azeez terrific shot was only punched over the bar for a corner kick by the Argentine Keeper, Ignacio Arc. He had earlier made similar save.
However, the Eaglets respite came in the 72 minutes when Federico Rasmussen tripped down Olarenwaju Kayode in the penalty area and Sani stepped forward to score the second and gave Nigerians cause to celebrate into the night.
it was a superb game for the eaglets but they still need to polish up in many areas. i noticed the change of game after sani emmanuel came on and stanley okoro came off. they were playing more positively – that boy has skills. i wonder why obuh has not used him from the beginning of the tournament.
was impressed by newcomer sani emmanuel
i heard a rumour that he is one of tb joshua’s boys
got a lot to offer. hope he starts next match and replaces baba okoro. under 17 is supposed to be under 17
hmmm – i agree! would be good to see of sani emmanuel. Wonder why he hasn’t played before… as for the rumour about him being from TB Joshua – i can believe it. We cant seem to get away from him! I bet he even prophesied Nigeria’s victory over Argentina…!
Thanks. We hope to talk to you soon, send ur phone number.
samm
editor