Italian-Nigerian LB notches up more pre-season minutes for Tottenham in win v Lion City Sailors

Italian-Nigerian left-back Destiny Udogie got more pre-season game time as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to secure a comfortable 5-1 win over Lion City Sailors in a friendly at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou made one change to the team that was supposed to start Sunday's friendly against Leicester City, with Udogie retaining his place in the starting XI.

The Italy U21 international came into the starting lineup at the expense of Sergio Reguilon, who started the 3-2 loss to West Ham United in their first pre-season friendly on July 18.

Singapore U23 international of Nigerian descent Abdul Rasaq Akeem started the second half for Lion City Sailors and subbed out with three minutes left on the clock. 

Shawal Anuar ghosted into the box to break the deadlock in the 14th minute, but both teams went into the break level as Harry Kane converted a spot kick in first half stoppage time.

Postecoglou made a raft of changes at the break, one of which saw Udogie replaced by Reguilon. 

A quickfire brace from Richarlison meant the English Premier League side led 3-1 after 51 minutes and the Brazilian striker would have scored at least a hat-trick but two of his goals were disallowed for offside. 

Giovani Lo Celso increased the lead for Tottenham when he slotted past the goalkeeper from close range in the 73rd minute, before Richarlison got the hat-trick he deserved in the first minute of stoppage time. 

Udogie and his teammates will take on stronger opposition in the form of Shakhtar Donetsk in their next pre-season friendly on August 6.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: tottenhamhotspur.com 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com