Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their WAFU B U20 Championship title defence with a 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso in their opening Group B match in Lome, Togo. The defeat on Friday places the reigning champions in a precarious position as they seek to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
The Nigerian team, who had undergone an intensive one-week training camp at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, arrived in Lome on Tuesday with hopes of replicating their past success.
However, they struggled to find their rhythm in a match that saw Burkina Faso take advantage of their early momentum.
Both teams faced difficulties in creating clear opportunities during the first half, with Burkina Faso looking more threatening.
The Junior Stallions came close to opening the scoring in the 34th minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu made a crucial save to keep the scoreline level.
Despite a lack of fluid play from either side, Nigeria did manage to launch a few attempts of their own.
In the 31st minute, left-back Kenneth Igboke surged forward and fired a shot towards goal, but the effort was deflected for a corner, denying the Flying Eagles a chance to take the lead.
As the second half began, Burkina Faso continued to apply pressure, which eventually paid off in the 56th minute when they found the back of the net.
The goal came after a sustained period of attack, with the Nigerian defence unable to hold off the onslaught.
The Junior Stallions’ breakthrough left the Flying Eagles scrambling to respond, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser.
The loss leaves Nigeria in a challenging position, with their hopes of advancing in the tournament now hinging on their next match.
The Flying Eagles will face Ivory Coast on Thursday in what is now a must-win game to keep their campaign alive.
Burkina Faso, buoyed by their victory, will take on Ivory Coast in their second Group B fixture on Monday.
The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with only two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.
For Nigeria, regrouping and refocusing on their next challenge will be key as they aim to bounce back and defend their title.
Despite the disappointing start, the Flying Eagles still have a chance to turn their fortunes around if they can find their form in the coming matches.
