February 20, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Under-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, started their campaign for a record-extending eighth continental title in the TotalEnergies 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt on a disappointing note, suffering a 1-0 loss to Senegal.
In their opening Group A match, Souleymane Faye scored from a rebound five minutes before the end of the first half to secure the maximum points for the Young Lions of Teranga and top spot in the group ahead of Nigeria. Despite coming into the tournament unbeaten, the Eagles failed to convert their chances letting the Senegalese grow into the game.
The setback affected the Flying Eagles as they struggled to get back into rhythm and allowed the Senegalese to dictate the tempo of the game, managing to hang on as the referee brought the first half to a close. Although Nigeria improved slightly in the second half and pushed for the equaliser, Senegal’s defence did well to cage the Nigerian attack while trying to hit on the counter-attacks. Nigeria’s first shot on target came in the 88th minute from a long-range shot fired by Onuche Ogbelu but comfortably saved by Landing Badji.
The Flying Eagles finished the encounter with 10 men after substitute, Ahmed Abdullahi, was sent off for a second bookable offence deep into stoppage time. The result saw Nigeria fall to the bottom of Group A with no points while Senegal went straight to the top of the table.
Earlier in the day, Egypt and Mozambique played a goalless draw, with both teams boasting a point apiece. The Flying Eagles’ next match is against Egypt, which will be an all-important clash for the Nigerian youngsters.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
