The Samson Siasia-led Dream Team VI have to step up preparations ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games after losing 4-3 to the Flying Eagles in a scrimmage held at the National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday morning.

Only last month, the Nigeria U23s lost 2-1 to the team coached by ex-Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke and Siasia wanted a rematch, stating that he did not have a full complement of players at his disposal, hence the loss.

At the end of the first half, the Flying Eagles were leading 3-1, thanks to a brace from Orji Okonkwo and a goal by Samuel Chukwueze, who finished from close range after he was teed up by Okonkwo, while Saviour Godwin got on the scoresheet  for the Dream Team.

Early in the second half, Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo fired home a brilliant shot, only for Victor Osimhen to restore the two-goal cushion moments later with  a bullet header from Orji Okonkwo’s assist.

There was a hint of offside in the final goal of the game netted by Abdullahi Shehu. The Flying Eagles goalkeeper had saved a free kick but the Portuguese-based midfielder tucked home the rebound.

Igho Kingsley