Nigeria began their AFCON U-23 double-header qualifier versus
Libya with a 2-0 defeat at the Stade de Ben Guerdane Wednesday evening.
Coach Imama Amakpakabo’s midfield and attack were hugely
dominated by foreign-based pros such as the likes of Arsenal’s Kelechi Nwakali,
Liverpool’s Taiwo Awoniyi, Villareal’s Samuel Chukwueze and a host of others.
The North
African nation took the lead after just seven minutes when striker, Zakaria
Alharaish scored to put his team ahead following a quick move which startled
the Nigerian players.
Things got worse for Nigeria after goalkeeper, Adamu Abubakar
was sent off in the closing stages of the first half for handling outside the
area as the defence showed some nervy and uninspiring displays in closing down
their pacy opponents.
While Dennis
Bonaventure made way in a tactical change after the setback, Orewale Oremade
was brought on to mend the goalpost but that did little to stem the flow of the
Libyans as they doubled their lead in the second half.
And that was
after another quick counter-attack to leave Nigeria with a mountain to climb in
the second leg coming up at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Monday, March
25.
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