Nigeria 1-2 Togo: Super Eagles lose to West African rivals in Wafu Cup of Nations opener - Liberty TV/Radio - News - Voice For All! Vision For Alll!
Mohammed Abdulhammed
September 30, 2019
The Super Eagles bowed to the Sparrow Hawks in their opening fixture at the regional tournament in Thies.
A week after suffering a 4-1 defeat in Lome, Nigeria suffered a 2-1 loss to Togo in their opening game at the 2019 West Africa Football Union (Wafu) Cup of Nations.
Two first-half goals from the Sparrow Hawks condemned Imama Amapakabo’s side to the plate format of the competition where they will face other losers from the knockout round.
Moise Kossivi took advantage of a defensive slip-up to open the scoring at Stade Lat-Dior on the half-hour mark.
Three minutes later, Lobi Stars midfielder Sikiru Alimi found the back of the net to level proceedings for Nigeria.
Alimi’s equaliser did not last for long as Remo Stars defender Olisa Ndah turned the ball past goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai into the back of his own net in the 42nd minute.
After the restart of the game, Nigeria continued their hunt for an equaliser but the referee waved away a penalty appeal from Ebube Duru after he was brought down in the 18-yard box.
Minutes later, Imama Amapakabo’s side were dealt a huge blow as Mfon Udoh was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.
The Akwa United star was given his marching orders after coming on as a 50th-minute substitute for Yakubu Reuben.