NIGERIA’S Flying Eagles defender and match winner Solomon Agbalaka has admitted that the side had a rough ride before snatching a 1-0 victory against hosts Egypt at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations last night.
Agbalaka scored the winning goal with a powerful header in the 71st minute to give Nigeria their first win at the tournament after they lost their opening game to Senegal on Sunday.
The left-back, who was named man of the match, however insisted that the Flying Eagles deserved their hard-fought three points, which took them to second place in Group A behind Senegal.
The West African giants failed to qualify for the last edition of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania two years ago but are chasing a World Cup spot this time.
The hosts had the better scoring opportunities in front of their supporters at the Cairo International Stadium before Agbalaka struck for the seven-time champions.
“We deserved to win,” Solomon told journalists after he was awarded the man of the match prize.
“We worked very hard, so I would like to thank my coach and all my colleagues for their efforts.
“I’m very happy with the result of the match. The match was not easy as we were facing the hosts.”
The Flying Eagles will seal a spot in the quarter-finals with victory against Mozambique on Saturday in Ismailia, and they will earn a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia if they advance to the semi-finals.
