Nigeria’s Future Eagles have finally secured their first victory at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, Footynaija reports.
Head coach Patrick Bassey’s side recorded a 2-1 comeback win over Cyprus on Monday morning, ending a run of three consecutive draws in Group AD.
The eight-a-side competition, featuring two 20-minute halves, has provided an early glimpse of Nigeria’s emerging football talents as the team prepares for the next stage.
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The Future Eagles opened their campaign with a 3-3 draw against South Sudan on Saturday, October 24. Wisdom Boniface, captain Timothy Ogar and Wisdom Oche found the net for Nigeria.
They shared another four-goal thriller with Jordan on Sunday morning. Timothy Ijachi gave Nigeria an early lead before Abdulrazak Mufutau scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw.
Nigeria then played out a third consecutive stalemate against The Gambia, drawing 3-3. Mufutau and Ijachi scored early, while Ijachi struck again in the 40th minute to rescue a point after the Gambians had fought back.
The breakthrough finally arrived against Cyprus. Georgios Christodoulou put Cyprus ahead in the 13th minute, but Oche equalised four minutes later before Ijachi completed the turnaround in the 26th minute.
The Mavlon FC youngster has now scored five goals in four matches, finding the net against South Sudan, Jordan and Cyprus, as well as twice against The Gambia. His consistency in front of goal makes him Nigeria’s standout prospect so far.
Oche, Mufutau, Boniface and captain Ogar are other young players who have contributed to the team’s attacking displays.
Nigeria will conclude the opening round-robin stage against Pakistan before moving into the tier-based second phase on October 28 and 29. Their final group position will determine their next pathway in the competition.
