The Flying Eagles will have to get their acts right on Wednesday when they engage host Egypt in their second Group A match of the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals. Record seven-time winners of the championship, the Nigerian squad lost their opening fixture to Senegal on Sunday, and have Wednesday’s game against Egypt and Saturday’s against Mozambique to make amend to and advance to the knockout phase.
At Cairo International Stadium where the finals got underway on Sunday, the Junior Teranga Lions denied Nigeria the opportunities to score in much of the first half despite the dominance of Ladan Bosso’s boys. The Senegalese capitalised on the only chance they created in the 40th minute as Souleymane Faye banged in the only goal after goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu parried the ball into his path.
Bosso made substitutions after the restart with Halliru Sarki making way for Emmanuel Uchegbu, while Jude Sunday came in for Ibrahim Mohammad, but the Flying Eagles could still not make headway.
Forward Ahmed Abdullahi, who came in for Olamilekan Adams in the 76th minute, was sent off in the 90th minute for a second bookable offence.
In the other game of the group, Mozambique shared honours with Egypt as the match ended goalless.
The championship continues on Monday in Group B where Uganda will face Central African Republic, while South Sudan take on Congo Republic.
Courtesy: NFF Communications Department
