Mahanaim pass Golden Eaglets' test with 4-2 victory
Mahanaim FC on Friday evening defeated the Nigerian U17 male national team, the Golden Eaglets, 4-2 at the FIFA Goal Project football pitch.
The much-talked-about encounter between the Hot Boys and the Golden Eaglets, who are 5-time FIFA U17 World Champions, delivered the best of youth football as Mahanaim emerged victorious in a valuable match for both teams, with the Golden Eaglets continuing their preparation ahead of the WAFU B U17 Championship which will take place in Burkina Faso.
Prior to the match, Mahanaim FC was in top form following recent victories over Kano Pillars FC, Sporting Dreams and Spain FA. The Golden Eaglets, on the other hand, had also beaten several teams that came to test their mettle against the national team with their array of talented youngsters.
With the match hosted at the national team's camp ground at the popular Goal Project, the Golden Eaglets drew first blood within the opening 7 minutes, overloading Mahanaim's defence and scoring a beautiful team goal. The lead, however, didn't last long as Mahanaim responded with its own firepower shortly after.
Striker Kingsley Michael pressed and forced an error out of the Golden Eaglets' defence before scoring his goal. Moments later, Kingsley again made himself the protagonist as he tested the national team goalkeeper with a shot which he couldn't handle, before in-form Yusuf Adigun pounced on the rebound to give Mahanaim a 2-1 lead heading into half-time.
The Golden Eaglets tied the game in the second half with a bit of luck. A mix-up in the defence of Mahanaim FC handed them a goal after the goalkeeper failed to control a backpass which rolled into the net.
The Hot Boys, however, proved they had more firepower in their arsenal as they scored more goals. Mubarak Dayyabu, who was extraordinary in the game, put a cross on the plate for Benjamin, who scored with his trademark headed goal to make it 3-2.
Midfielder Ikho Danjuma then released a striker from the edge of the box to wrap up the win for Mahanaim with the fourth goal.
