Samson Komolafe’s 35th minute goal was all the national under-15 male football team needed to beat the Super Falcons in a friendly game on Saturday in Abuja.
NAN reports that both teams resumed camp last month in Abuja in preparation for their various continental assignments and used the game as a test match ahead of the events.
In spite of the presence of foreign-based players in the Falcons’ team, the women side could not draw level.
They had the chance to go ahead, when France-based Desire Oparanozie created a chance in the 30th minute through a header which was inches off target.
U.S-based Lateef Omidiji impressed for the Baby Eagles, but his header hit the woodwork before Onome Ebi’s swift clearance for safety.
At the end of the game, Thomas Dennerby, the Falcons coach, said the opponents’ speed was better than that of his players.
“The first 20 minutes of the game was even and the next 10 minutes of the second half was probably the best period for the Falcons. We had two scoring chances.
“The boys used their speed, as they were faster than us. But the team defended well and that is one of the positives we will take to The Gambia.
“In the end, the game was okay,” Dennerby said.
Haruna Ilerika, assistant coach of the under-15 team, said the game was to expose how well the players had trained.
“The game showed how well the players have learnt, as well as the team spirit and more.
“We are glad we won, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.
Falcons are preparing for the first leg game of their 11th African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier against The Gambia on Tuesday in Banjul.
The national under-15 male side are in camp ahead of the 2018 African Youth Games at Algeria in July.
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