Toulon Tournament : Nigeria-Eligible GK Obi Stars As Japan Beat Defending Champions England

Published: June 01, 2019

Japan U22 recorded a sensational 2-1 win over three-time defending champions England in the opening game of the 2019 Toulon Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Two players of Nigerian descent were in action at the Stade de Lattre-de-Tassigny, Aubagne - Powell Obinna Obi who went the distance for the Japanese and Queens Park Rangers starlet Eberechi Eze who entered the game as a substitute in the 65th minute.

But it was Ryutsu Keizai University goalkeeper Obi that stole the limelight, making a series of saves to keep his side in the match, before Yoichi Naganuma headed home the winner in the 68th minute.

A brilliant headed goal from Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah gave England the lead in the 38th minute and they still had their noses in front until Takuma Ominami's right footed shot from close range a minute after the restart restored parity.

Aged 21, Obi has represented Japan at U16, U17, U20 and U23 levels and was a member of the Japanese squad that won silver at the 2018 Asian Games.

Japan will face Chile in their next Group A game, while the Young Lions tackle Portugal, with both games taking place at the Stade d'Honneur Marcel Roustan on June 4.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : jfa.jp