Al-Merreikh Nigerian coach Mohamed Azeez reveals why U23 Eagles lost 1-0 to Sudan in the 2020 Olympic qualifier in Omdurman on Thursday night.

However, coach Imama Amapakabo parading stars such as Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi and newly sign Genk forward Stephen Odey, the team could not break the deadlock but the West Africa nations were punished with a first-half strike by Walaa El-Din as the game ended in favour of the home side.In a telephone interview from Sudan, on Brila FM’s Sports Machine, Azeez confirmed the Dream Team struggled to cope with the weather, having only arrived 24 hours before the game.

“Indeed I will say the weather affected them (Nigeria); the Sudan team have been together for longer and have a better understanding of what it takes to play under the conditions from yesterday.”It was a narrow scoreline, couldn’t have been more and that’s credit to how the Nigerian Coach organized his team,’ the Azeez said.Sudan will take a one-goal advantage to next Tuesday return leg fixture scheduled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba with the overall winner of the contest will proceed to the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations slated for Egypt in November