The Flying Eagles of Nigeria for the second time in the just concluded Afcon U20 football tournament in Egypt triumphed over their opponents via penalty kicks as stand in goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar’s heroic saves guaranteed a bronze medal at the expense of hosts Egypt.
Abububar, who plies his football trade with Mavlon FC of Lagos never tested action in the tournament until he replaced goalkeeper Yakub in the dying minutes of the game, before the centre referee signalled the end of 90 minutes and straight to penalties.
The introduction of Abubakar by the technical crew of the Flying Eagles led by Aliyu Zubairu proved to be a masterstroke as the former Golden Eaglet star rose to the occasion saving two penalty kicks while his teammates were very clinical scoring all the four penalty kicks to make sure that Nigeria did not leave Egypy empty- handed.
Abubakar demonstrated strong composture and confidence to deny Egypt despite the noise coming from their fans to distract him.
It was the fifth time the Flying Eagles will be winning bronze medal at the AFCON U 20 tournament.
Nigeria is seventh time winners of the tournament and came second twice.
