'Supposed to be playing for U23s' - Manu Garba names the Flying Eagles player that impressed him

Respected Nigerian football tactician Manu Garba was among the spectators at the National Stadium in Abuja as the Flying Eagles defeated Zambia 4-2 in an exciting friendly on Friday. 

Goals from Rilwanu Haliru Sarki, Adams Olamilekan, Emmanuel Uchegbu and Samson Lawal secured a win for Ladan Bosso's boys. 

Garba, who was in the Nigeria dugout at the 2015 FIFA U20 World, highlighted that the Flying Eagles had the upper hand over Zambia because they were more dangerous in attack but also noted that the seven-time African champions exhibited defensive frailties. 

The 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup-winning coach named Sarki as the Flying Eagles player that impressed him the most in the win against Zambia, and recommended that the striker should be playing up an age group. 

The impressive Sarki could have opened the scoring in the 11th minute but his effort from a 20-yard free-kick rocked the upright, he shot wide from a good position in the 27th minute and his effort was punched away six minutes later. 

He was not to be denied in the 39th minute as he stripped three defenders and unleashed a canon that the Zambia goalkeeper could not stop on its way into the net. 

Speaking shortly after the friendly, Garba said : "From what I've seen today both sides are very, very good. The Zambians dominated the first half of the game in terms of ball possession but the Nigerians were more adventurous, that's why they were able to win the match.

"What we must have to work on is our marking when we are out of possession because the two goals could have been avoided if our players were marking closely around the 18-yard box."

Garba added : "I am very, very impressed with one player they call Sarki. I think that payer is supposed be playing for even the U23.

"This is the first time I am seeing him and even the changes made too changed the course of te game for Nigeria.

"The two teams gave a very good account of themselves especially for the game to end 4-2 but my Man of the Match is Sarki, I don't know his second name. That boy is a great talent".
 

As first reported by allnigeriasoccer.com two days ago,  players and officials of the Flying Eagles will fly out to Morocco on February 8, 2023 for the second phase of their preparations. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : Zambia FA

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