Golden Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali, has dedicated his recent AFCON U-17 Man-of-the-match award to his teammates and coaches npflupdates reports.
Yahaya won the award on Wednesday after impressing for the Golden Eaglets against Morocco. And it’s on a rare occasion that a Man-of-the-match award be given to a player from a losing team.
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Because, the Nigeria U-17 failed to secure a promotion to the next round of the AFCON U-17 after losing to Morocco. On Wednesday, at the Mohammed Hamlaoui Stadium, Morocco beat Nigeria 1-0 to clinch a ticket for the quarter-final.
But, instead of an Atlas Cub to win the award, Lawali was rewarded for his outstanding performance in the fixture. And according to the teenager, he’s happy winning the award, hut sad that is team lost in the tie.
Yahaya Lawali Explains Mood After AFCON U-17 MVP Award
“I have mixed feelings being named man of the match. It is a good thing for me but as a team we are sad that we lost the match today. It was a critical game for us and it is heartbreaking to lose,” the defender told CAF Online.
“I dedicate this award to my teammates and urge them that it is not the end. Some days are like this, you do everything but can’t win.”
And speaking further, the Manhaim FC player admitted they paid the price for not utilizing their chances.
Because against Morocco, Nigeria recorded 27 shots, only four of them on target. And shockingly none ended in the back of the net.
“We are heartbroken that we couldn’t take our chances, but we are sure to do better in our next match. We will work to ensure we are better and more efficient with scoring,” he concluded.
And in a bid to qualify for the quarter-final, Nigeria must now overcome South Africa U-17 in their last group game on Saturday.
