’Tosin Oluwalowo
The Super Eagles B team started their quest to qualify for the 2020 African Nations Championship on a bad note, as they lost 4-1 to Togo in the first leg qualifier in Lome.
The Eagles started on top, going ahead in the 10th minute through Sunusi Ibrahim.
The lead wasn’t however for long, as Yendoutie Nana drew the Hawks level.
Both sides went into half-time even on scores.
Nana hit a brace in the 64th minute to give his side the lead.
Marouf Tchakei scored from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute, to put his side 3-1 up.
The Togolese however wrapped the game up in the closing stages, hitting four through Agoro Ashraf to put the game beyond doubt.
The Eagles will have to overturn the deficit when both sides meet in the return leg on October 19.
U-23 team coach, Imama Amapakabo said, “No, we never underrated our opponents. That would have been a foolish thing to do in football. The truth is that we fielded mainly a young team that could not really live up to expectations technically compared to the senior players in the Togolese side who have gained experience over the years.
“However, we have taken this as a learning curve moving forward and awaiting the return match.
“It is wrong to think that this match would determine which team goes through. We know there is a second match and no two games can ever be the same.
“From now until October 19, it is still quite some time away to make amends and produce the right form for the work ahead. It is after the match in Nigeria that it can become clear who qualifies.”
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