Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Hajji Olawale Liameed Gafar Thursday congratulated the Flying Eagles of Nigeria for qualifying for the semi-final of the ongoing WAFU B U20 Championship.
The Ali Zubair managed team qualified for the last four by beating Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome.
In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants.
Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way.
A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless on Thursday afternoon.
The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but winger Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after.
Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal after he only passed a late fitness test, thus securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles to set up a date with Niger Republic in the last four.
Hajji Gafar in a statement by the LSFA Media commended the resilience of the Flying Eagles.
The LSFA Boss urged the two-time FIFA U20 World Cup vice-champions to remain focused and make the nation proud once again when they take on their next opponents in the semi-final encounter.
“On behalf of the LSFA I congratulate you for fighting hard and showing resilience to Cote d’Ivoire. I urge you all to remain committed and focused as you approach your next opponent in the semi-final encounter,” the highly resourceful administrator mused.
“This victory against Cote d’ivoire is important for us. We needed it and I’m impressed with the spirit shown by the boys this afternoon. Even after going a goal down, they rallied back and won the game. It shows their fighting spirit and courage.”
“They will always have our support. At this point, we need to stay behind the team and support them, that is what they need. I urge them to work harder and get the victory against Niger Republic on Saturday. I hope this win will propel them. The coach now has a better perspective about his team and will present a winning squad which will make us proud.
“The boys proved that our nation remains a formidable force in the world of football. We are proud of their exploits. I have no doubt in mind that you will all remain committed with same zeal and vigour as Nigerians are desirous to see you return home with the coveted trophy.
“I support Ali Zubair to lead the lads to glory. You know these are young boys so you need patience and time with them. So far, Zubair and his technical crew have not disappointed us and we stand by them to get us to the U20 AFCON and World Cup,” he added.
Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-final.
