Head coach of Libya U-23 side Reda Attia has heaped plaudits on Victor Osimhen after the striker bagged a hat-trick and assist in Nigeria’s 4-0 win against his side in their Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying clash at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Monday, reports Completesports.com.
The North Africans who won the first leg 2-0 in Tunisia last week Wednesday lost out 4-2 on aggregate.
Osimhen who was one of the players drafted from Super Eagles into the team tormented the Libyan defence for the entire duration of the game.
The forward was further denied by the cross bar and a couple smart saves by the Libya goalkeeper.
Attia also praised his players for their brave efforts in the game despite the heavy defeat to the U-23 Eagles
” He (Osimhen) had too much space to play. We didn’t deal with his presence in our box properly which decided the game in the favour of Nigeria. Nigeria deserve to win but I am proud of my team and their performance ,”he told reporters after the game.
Nigeria will face either Sudan or Kenya in the final qualifying round.
Sudan will take a 2-0 lead to the second leg on Tuesday in Nairobi.
Egypt will host the third edition of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in November with the top three teams from the competition advancing into the football event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
By Adeboye Amosu
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