1997: Nigeria make mark on Meridian launch
Thursday 1 January 2009
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The first UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup (©UEFA)
The UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup was launched in Lisbon on 30 January 1997 as part of the Meridian Project, a co-operation agreement between UEFA and its sister confederation in Africa, CAF to promote the exchange of cultures and offer young footballers a unique learning experience within the framework of a football festival. The first edition of the competition brought together eight top youth sides from Europe and Africa, Nigeria eventually lifting the trophy after an entertaining tournament packed with goals.
Iberian adventure
The eight competing teams were split into two groups, Spain and hosts Portugal joining Ghana and Ivory Coast in Group A. An 88th-minute goal from Pedro Mendes ensured Portugal took a 1-1 draw from their game against neighbours Spain, although the other Matchday 1 fixture was a one-sided affair with Godwin Attram helping himself to a hat-trick as Ghana overcame ten-man Ivory Coast 5-0. There was disappointment in store for both African sides in their second games; a Spain side featuring Xavi Hernández saw off Ivory Coast 2-1, while Simão was on target as Portugal defeated Ghana 3-1, leaving both European representatives well-placed to progress. Both nevertheless had to survive scares to reach the semi-finals, Portugal recovering from going 2-0 and 3-2 down to draw 3-3 with Ivory Coast, with Simão snatching a point in the 90th minute. That proved enough to win the group, with Spain and Ghana drawing 0-0 to allow the former to sneak through in second position.
Initiative held
Group B included Nigeria, Greece, Guinea and France and the first two teams took control from the outset, Nigeria defeating Guinea 2-0 and two Georgios Vakouftsis goals helping Greece to a 4-1 win against France. Les Bleus were beaten again on Matchday 2, letting slip 2-0 and 3-1 leads to lose 4-3 against a Guinea side whose winner came in the 88th minute. Nigeria and Greece shared a goalless draw to retain the initiative in the section, and the European side duly clinched first place thanks to a 1-0 victory against Guinea in their last fixture, guaranteeing Nigeria the runners-up spot despite their 2-0 defeat by France.
Mixed fortunes
The two Group B qualifiers experienced contrasting fortunes in the semi-finals, Greece going down 4-1 to an inspired Spain in Alverca despite taking an early lead, Xavi and Manu Sánchez both scoring twice. Nigeria saw off the challenge of Portugal thanks to goals in the first 28 minutes from Hashimu Garba and Mohammed Aliyu Datti, leaving Portugal to get the better of the all-European third-place play-off despite Christos Patsatzoglou giving Greece a 27th-minute lead. The goalscorer was sent off midway through the second period and Pedro Mendes took the game into extra time, where Simão's 101st-minute strike won the day.
Gripping finale
A thrilling final began when Garbu gave Nigeria a tenth-minute lead, only for Francisco Jusúe to level just before half-time. Spain then lost Antonio Hidalgo to a 67th-minute red card and their challenge looked over when Bright Igbinadolor restored the Nigerian lead three minutes later only for Pablo Couñago to level with 15 minutes left. Eight minutes before the final whistle, Chijoke Nwankpa struck to ensure the first UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup would go to Africa – although the spirit of friendship and solidarity shone through.
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