Jack scores as FIFA team beats Nigeria organisers
T&T NewsdayA FIFA team, led by Vice President Jack Warner came away with a 2-1 victory against a Local Organising Committee team in Nigeria on Sunday night.
Warner and his delegation took a break from their hectic schedule to play the friendly football match against the LOC team.
The Trinidadian, who was unanimously elected captain, proved to be a valuable asset to the team.
The FIFA VP wearing the Number 9 shirt not only scored the winning goal but he also assisted the FIFA team in setting up their first item.
The game which was played at the Abuja National Stadium kicked off just after 6 pm local time.
Just two minute into the first half Warner collected a pass and expertly directed the ball to his striker Christopher Axer , who made good to score the first goal.
The FIFA team was intent on keeping the lead, and managed to keep the Nigerian LOC team on their half of the field for most of the game .
However with just seconds to go before the first half whistle, one of the LOC officials got past FIFA defender Dr Amos Adamu and found the back of the net.
As he walked to the dressing room, the FIFA VP joked with media, ‘’We have given them a chance but trust me this game will be ours when the final whistle is sounded.”
As the second half resumed both teams emerged with new energy, determined to be the victors of this historic match as new strategies and new defending plays emerged.
Several changes were also made to the line up with TTFF General Secretary Richard Groden put to guard the FIFA goal
Strong defending on both sides kept the score at 1-1 and FIFA’s Christopher Axer came close to securing the victory for his team but the LOC goal keeper read the play early and managed to give his team a lifeline as the seconds wound down.
With just two minutes left in the game , FIFA striker John Schumacher was fouled in the penalty area and the referee awarded the FIFA team the penalty kick .
As the team huddled together to make the decision as to who would take the deciding shot, it was the captain Jack Warner who walked up to the spot.
As he ran up to the ball , all held their breath as it was a do or die moment for his team, but Warner made good on his promise of a victory and scored.
After the game Warner told the media that it has become a norm for the inspection delegation to play against the LOC as it injects some fun into a normally stressful situation. “I may not be as young as I once was but the game is still as much fun as remembered,” he said.
Commenting on the game Warner jokingly said “In the end it is always the best team that wins”
The Nigerian Local Organising Committee, printed special uniforms for the FIFA delegation, and Warner explained that it has become customary for the committee to use its team’s uniform.
Warner and his 18 team delegation will resume their inspection tour on Monday morning.
So far the team has visited four sites and Warner while expressing concerns about the ability of the local contractors to meet the required FIFA deadlines says he is optimistic that the LOC will keep their promises.
Warner spoke to members of the local government and the media at the Nnamdi Azikiwi Stadium in the Enugu region on Sunday after the inspection tour.
“I have to submit a report to FIFA on the progress that has been achieved since our last meeting, while you have given your assurances that the required works will be done my report will reflect all that still needs to be done, nevertheless I have no reason to doubt your commitment in making it all a reality”.
Nigeria was selected to host the Under-17 World Cup in 2006.
TRINIDAD and Tobago's Jack Warner (No 9), third in front row, and Richard Groden, seventh from left, back row line up with the FIFA team in Nigeria.
