Togo beat Nigeria again as Eagles fall in WAFU Cup opener

A week after suffering a humiliating 1-4 defeat in Lome, Nigeria fell to a 1-2 loss to Togo in their opening game of the 2019 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations, reports goal.com.

Two first-half goals from the Sparrow Hawks condemned Imama Amapakabo’s side to the plate format of the competition where they will face other losers from the knockout round.

Moise Kossivi took advantage of a defensive slip-up to open the scoring at Stade Lat-Dior on the half, but Lobi Stars’ Sikiru Alimi levelled proceedings for Nigeria three minutes later.

Alimi’s equalizer, however, did not last for long as Remo Stars defender Olisa Ndah turned the ball past goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai into the back of his own net in the 42nd minute.

At the restart of the game, Nigeria continued their hunt for an equaliser but the referee waved away a penalty appeal from Ebube Duru after he was brought down in the 18-yard box.

Minutes later, Imama Amapakabo’s side were dealt a huge blow as Mfon Udoh was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

The Akwa United star was given his marching orders after coming on as a 50th-minute substitute for Yakubu Reuben.