The Flying Eagles were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Lagos-based Mavlon FC in a fiercely contested friendly match on Saturday morning at the FIFA Goal Project, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

 

In a match that served as a true test for the U-20 national side preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, both teams delivered a spectacle full of intensity, tactical sharpness, and end-to-end attacking football.

 

After a tightly contested first half, the Flying Eagles broke the deadlock just after the hour mark through Marvellous Freedom, who calmly finished to give the national team a 1-0 lead at halftime.

 

The second half began with the Flying Eagles doubling their advantage courtesy of AbdulBasit Abubakar, whose precise strike appeared to put Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team firmly in control.

 

But Mavlon FC, refusing to back down, found their way back into the game. A penalty awarded against the Flying Eagles was confidently converted by Sunday Emmanuel, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

 

With the momentum swinging, Mavlon’s backline, led by the resolute Muntari Momoh, stood firm against a flurry of Flying Eagles attacks.

 

The turning point came late in the game when Ibrahim Muhammed Beji sparked a swift counterattack, threading a sublime pass to Abah Emmanuel. The forward raced into the box and unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the roof of the net, completing a stunning comeback.

 

The encounter left fans thrilled, as both sides showcased top-tier football quality and tactical brilliance in a match that ended with honours even.