Nigeria Vs Liberia – Preview of the 2nd stage of the qualification for all the African Games
The Nigerian Olympic team, popularly known as Dream Team V, will play the Liberia national under-23 soccer team next weekend in the second leg of their African Games qualification. The game starts at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Nigeria.
In the first leg of the fixture played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex on Saturday 16 April 2011, both teams settled for a 1-1 draw with Nigeria opening the scoring in the 33rd minute of the match via the penalty spot, after Leicester City striker Daniel Uchechi was fouled in the penalty area. He mustered enough mental strength to score the first goal to the delight of the few traveling supporters.
Missing some of their biggest stars, the Nigerians had protested before the game about their mistreatment by the Liberian Football Federation before the game. The Nigerian Olympic team’s opening goal sparked a spontaneous reaction from their Liberian counterpart, desperate to impress his home fans who had turned out to cheer on their victory. However, the pitch was not helping his course, as it was not in the best condition.
However, his persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when attacking midfielder Johnson Samuel scored the necessary equalizer with a stunning header in the 63rd minute of play. The host would have snatched all three points in the last minutes of the second half after receiving a penalty. A hero of the U-17 team that won gold in South Korea in 2007, Oladele Ajiboye struck a decisive insurance to deny what would have been the winning goal.
However, he was replaced a few minutes from the end of the game when the Liberian player Ronaldinho was injured. The referee’s whistle brought recovery to coach Austin Eguaveon, who was very tense throughout the match. The reverse match promises to be a cracker considering the importance of the match for Dream Team V’s aspirations. The U-23 team will have the advantage of playing at home against the always vociferous Nigerian supporters club.
One thing that would go in favor of the Dream Team is the enormous talent available to the technical team. Rabiu Ibrahim, Nnamdi Odumadi, Ekigho Ehiosun, Ibok Edet and goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye would likely start the game which promises to be exciting and entertaining. Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomole is expected to be the special guest of honor during the game.
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