Coach Nasidi Hails National U-13 Players for putting in Top-class Performance in Ekiti

The Nigeria National U-13 Team’s coach, Danladi Nasidi on Saturday showered praises on his boys after watching them demolish Ekiti state’s Fountain Youth Academy 4-1 in a friendly match played at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium in Ado-Ekiti.

The former Niger Tornadoes team manager, who has been with the National U-13 Team since 2008, joined in the team’s victory celebrations on the bus back to their Akure camp and noted that his team is gradually getting the respect they deserve from opponents.

“Well-done boys, you were all absolutely fantastic today, people are now aware of your great qualities which you showed in abundance tonight. You'll surely bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians in the future, I'm proud of you.” Danladi concluded. The friendly match which attracted a huge crowed at the Ekiti state capital, was action packed, as both teams exhibited great resolve to win the game. However, it was the National U-13 Team that took the initiative in the 17th minute of the game when Olusegn Kunle beat the offside trap after a quickly taken free-kick by Martins Ayi to slot past on rushing opposing goalkeeper for the first goal of the game.

Segun Oyebode (Aka little Messi) made it 2-0 in the 22nd minutes when he dribbled his way past three defenders on a high speed and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper into an empty net just like the Argentine Lionel Messi would have done. The Ado-Ekiti team pulled one back in the 30th minute through a clinically executed direct free kick by Bayo Ojo from the edge of the 18 yard box, to the admiration of the home crowd. The National U-13 Team would however restore their two goal advantage in the 2nd half when Ibrahim Dehinde sent a rocket-like shot past the Ekiti state goalkeeper after receiving a through-pass from Jephtha Jonathan in the 60th minute of play.

Segun Oyebode (Aka little Messi) caped the victory for the National U-13 Team in the 70thminute with his 2nd goal of the night, which was another master class chip over the goalkeeper who was caught napping up field, as the national team ran away with a 4-1 victory.

Results of previous matches played by National U-13 Team indicated that they defeated Royal Soccer Academy of Akure 4-0, beat Delta state U-13 team 4-1, drew 3-3 with Odindiomo Soccer Academy Akure, Owo selected U-13 team also fell 3-1, while Kemo Babes of Ekiti were piped 1-0. A 5-1 victory over Kaduna U-13 selected side followed while Green Horse Academy Abuja also fell 10-2 to the coach Danladi led side. The team recorded her only defeat so far during the current camping exercise in a 1-2 loss to Niyi Dada U-15 boy from Ekiti-State.

The National U-13 Team will on Wednesday September 18, 2013, round off their four-week camping exercise in Akure.