| Akwa Ibom Stadium: Nigeria beat Ghana to win Transformation Cup Nigeria beat Ghana 1-0 in a friendly to open the brand-new Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo to win the Transformation Cup on Friday night. Nigeria made up of players from the domestic league were more purposeful than the Black Meteors and simply out muscled the Ghana U23s in a game watched by three Presidents led by Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan. Local boy Emem Eduok made history by scoring the first goal in an official match at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in the 35th minute, when he headed Nigeria in front off a cross from the right by Solomon Kwambe. The energetic Eduok has scored 20 goals this season to equal an all-time record set by Jude Aneke three seasons ago. The lively Dolphins striker came close to doubling his tally in the 56th minute but his half volley from outside the box missed the target with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori well beaten. And his 78th minute strike was too weak to trouble the Ghana shot stopper. A minute later, Eduok’s cross from the left was smashed against the crossbar by substitute Mfon Udoh. Nigeria midfielder Bobby Sokari was denied a goal in stoppage time by a goal line clearance by Nti Mensah. Ghana, handled by former Kano Pillars coach Malik Jabir, chased the game in the second half. Blac Meteors defender Yamoah Richard was sent off two minutes from the end after a horror tackle on Tony Edjomarigwe. Nigeria gave debuts to Sharks pair of Chima Akas and Joseph Nathaniel, goal scorer Eduok as well as Bobby Sokari and Mfon Udoh of Enyimba. Assistant coach Daniel Amokachi led out the team with Stephen Keshi watching from the stands. Starting XI vs Ghana: Chigozie Agbim – Solomon Kwambe, Chima Akas, Umar Zango, Azubuike Egwuekwe – Joseph Nathaniel, Bobby Sokari, Rabiu Ali – Gbolahan Salami, Emem Eduok, Osaguona Ighodaro |
I have said this before, I dont see why we waste money and energy on our foreign players. Lets use our local league players who are a team and then promote local league and give them opportunities to score international goals and get to be better exposed. The winning local club should be representing us in international matches…their coach and all his/her crew will be involved. It can be Nigerian contribution to football soccer.
Before u can make this conclusion and give this advice please think deeply and look closely. Who are d players that make up this Ghana team that was defeated by d home base eagle players? We need to remove corruption from Nigeria football and develop our league far beyond its current level.