Solomon Agbalaka has praised the efforts of the Flying Eagles following their 1-0 win over 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Egypt.
The left back sent in a powerful header late in the game to hand Nigeria their first win in the tournament and keep their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals alive.
Agbalaka was awarded the Man of the Match and described the game as a difficult one for the West African giants.
Congratulations Solomon Agbalaka, our #NGAEGY TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 🏅🔝#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/0hYI5p7vlF
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 22, 2023
“We deserved to win,” Agbalaka said on the CAF website.
“Worked very hard, so I would like to thank my coach and all my colleagues for their efforts.
“I’m very happy with the result of the match. The match was not easy as we were facing the hosts.”
Meanwhile, Egypt manager Mahmoud Gaber blamed missed chances for his team’s loss. The Young Pharaohs will now have it all to do when they take on Senegal – who are through to the quarter-finals – in their final game.
“The players were very tense after the goal and felt under pressure, and this greatly affected them,” Gaber said.
“We missed many opportunities, and if we were focused, we would have decided the match in our favour.”
Nigeria sit second in Group A and another victory in the final game against Mozambique will see them through to the quarter-finals.
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