BY SAB OSUJI

The Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos, was action spot Saturday as NLO side, A&A Kiviasennus Football Academy engaged igeria National League, NNL, side, Inter Lagos, in a pre-season friendly.

The thrilling fixture ended in a one all draw with Inter Lagos, coached by former Rangers trainer, Gabriel Ezema, taking a first half lead.

But Coach Lotanna Ifejiofor's A&A responded in the second period when Umenwa Chukwukezie restored parity for the academy youngsters.

Just last month, A&A engaged Sporting Lagos, a newly promoted Nigeria Premier League Football, NPLF side in a similar tune up game.

The 'Big boys', though, ran out 2-1 winners.

A&A Football Academy is sponsored by Finland based Nnewi man, Anthony Atuegwu.

Coach Ben Lotanna Ifejiofor, a former Gabros International FC ace who professional football stint in Egypt, has been the technical helmsman.

In 2022, A&A participated in the now popular and regular pre-season tournament, Tico/Select, organised by former Nigeria international, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, who now doubles as Enyimba of Aba Sporting Director.

Coach Ifejiofor told Exclusivenews.com.ng after the match that he was delighted with his team's progress especially the players response to big challenges.

"Yes, I'm happy the way my players respond in big time games", starts Ifejiofor.

"Remember, last month, we engaged Sporting Lagos in a similar friendly though we lost 2-1. Sporting is a Nigeria Premier League side and today, we're all square (1-1) with a Nigeria National League, NNL side.

"Yes, it's all preparatory games but I'm happy the players are responding to details of our philosophy. It shows we're making progress and truly delighted about that".

Coach Ifejiofor revealed that his team is open to more tune up games.