The Flying Eagles lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in an international friendly on Sunday as they seek to beef up preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland.
The Saudi Arabians were the better side in the first half and were unlucky not to score. However, their hard work paid off early in the second half as Al Qadisiyah FC striker Khalid Al-Ghannam gave them the lead.
The Saudis lead didn’t last for long as Swedish-based Nigerian midfielder Henry Offia pegged them back nine minutes later. Offia was also on the score sheet in Nigeria’s 3-3 draw against Freiburg last week.
Hamed Alghamdi restored the Asians lead with 12 minutes left on the clock and this was enough to condemn the Flying Eagles to a defeat.
Nigeria, who finished fourth at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nation early this year, still has a lot to do before the FIFA U20 World Cup starts in about two weeks time.
The team will play three more friendlies against TSG Hoffenheim on May 7/8, Red Bull Salzburg on May 14 and Red Bull Leipzig on May 17.
Paul Aigbogun’s charges are in Group D of the FIFA U20 World Cup, and their first match is against another Asian side, Qatar on May 24.
