Golden Eaglets Draw 1-1 With Derby Academy
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were held to a 1-1 draw by Derby Academy in a friendly encounter at the Sunrise Football Pitch in Abuja on Friday.
Derby Academy started strongly on their home ground, controlling the early stages and creating pressure around the Eaglets’ defence.
The five-time world champions gradually grew into the game, taking control of midfield with quick passing and transitions into attack, but neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.
The tempo remained high after the restart, with both teams pushing forward in search of the opening goal.
Derby Academy eventually took the lead on the hour mark after one of their attackers was brought down inside the box. The resulting penalty was calmly converted.
The Eaglets responded immediately, increasing the pressure on the home side before drawing level seven minutes later.
Both teams continued to chase a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal as the entertaining contest ended 1-1.
The friendly was part of Nigeria’s preparations for the WAFU B U17 Championship, which kicks off in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on October 10.
The Golden Eaglets are drawn in Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Niger Republic and will begin their campaign on October 14.
