Head coach of Nigeria’s U20 football team, Manu Garba has expressed satisfaction with his charges’ 3-1 win over Senegal in the opening game of this year’s Africa U-20 championship in Senegal.
.
Goals from Ifeanyi Matthew and Taiwo Awoniyi who bagged a brace, saw the Nigerian side cruise to a straightforward 3-1 victory over the Senegalese at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar.
.
The Flying Eagles seemed to run out of steam in the second half following a blistering start to the game but Manu stressed that winning their first game was more important than the actual performance.
.
“It is our first three points of a very important competition,” said Manu said.
.
He went on to state that the side had taken a giant step towards qualifying for the Fifa U-20 world cup in New Zealand.
.
“The result of any opening game is very crucial in a tournament like this and we are grateful to God we won.
.
“We have now taken a foot towards qualifying for the World Cup.
.
“We did not know a lot about Senegal before the match, but the boys did a good job.
.
“But we have also put this game behind us and our focus is on our next game on Wednesday (against Congo),” he said.
.
Nigeria will face Congo on Wednesday at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar in their second preliminary game.
.
They will then round off their Group A campaign on March 14 against the Ivory Coast at the Stade Caroline Faye in M’Bour.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate