Eaglets Beat Cross River Champions 1-0

Akpabuyo United, current Cross River state’s league champions, were beaten 1-0 by Nigeria’s Under-17 team, Golden Eaglets on Saturday at the Abraham Ordia Stadium in Calabar courtesy of a first half goal by striker Samuel Chukwueze.

The solitary goal recorded in the 36th minute was Chukwueze’s eighth and Golden Eaglets’ 81st after 29 domestic friendly and international matches.

For the match in Calabar, coach Emmanuel Amuneke started with an experimental team and the lads responded well by containing their supposedly strong opposition right from the outset as they gird their loins ahead of their forthcoming second leg African U-17 Championship showdown against Gabon.

Left full back, Usman Abass did a Yeoman’s job despite playing in an unfamiliar central defensive position along with Douglas Uzama. Up front Ebere Osinachi playing the top striking role as replacement for injured Victor Osimhen, would not be available after seeing red in Libreville but he shrug off that disappointment by showing tenacity as he combined beautifully with Chukwueze.

But it was midfielder; Kingsley Michael that was the architect of the only goal of the match when he floated an inch-perfect pass above the defence of Akpabuyo United and Chukwueze reacted sharply to slot the ball beyond the reach of on-rushing goalkeeper Asam Umuah Asam.

Both sides demonstrated huge enthusiasm throughout the remainder of the encounter officiated by centre referee Emmanuel Egon and duly assisted by Justice Ukpor and Emmanuel Ekawu.

Meanwhile, Akpabuyo United nearly got the needed equaliser in the 89th minute but a well-directed free kick by Bassey Okon just outside the Golden Eaglets’ goal area, bounced off the post after beaten the wall as well as goalkeeper Akpan Udoh.

In attendance to watch the entertaining game was Dr. Patrick Okon, Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government who led other officials of the council including Barrister Duke; Mr. Bassey Etim Offiong; Comrade Nyong Etim, Mr. Asuquo Eyo; Mrs Akoyo Ekeng; Mr. Kingsley Peter amongst others to the stadium inside the University of Calabar.