F/Eagles down ‘Junior Pharaohs’ in Cairo

Nigeria’s Under-20 team the Flying Eagles gave an indication they are set to defend their 2011 African Youth Championship title next month in Algeria, when they thrashed their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo Wednesday.

The match played at the Degla Stadium outside Cairo was staged to prepare both teams for AYC, starting off on March 16.

The hosts took the lead against the run of play in the 50th minute through a header by Ibrahim El-Sayid El-hadad off a corner.

But the Nigeria U20s fought back thereafter and deservedly drew level in the 61st minute when Sharks forward Christain Pyabara finally smash home a rebound after his first attempt came off the post.

Skipper Abduljaleel Ajagun then extended the Flying Eagles lead in the 77th minute he jabbed home from inside the box after yet another flowing team buildup from the right.

Pyabara then made it 3-1 in the 81st minute when he headed home a delightful cross from the left by Kingsley Madu.

The two teams will again square up on Friday night at the same venue.

The Flying Eagles will then depart for Tunis on Saturday morning to continue the build-up for the defence of their AYC crown.

Meanwhile chief coach of the team John Obuh has denied abandoning his team in protest of his unpaid salary. He explained that it was family matters that stopped him from traveling with team to Egypt.