Nigeria’s Flying Eagles faced an unexpected 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their opening match of the WAFU B U20 AFCON in Lome, Togo, jeopardizing their title defense. Burkina Faso’s decisive goal came in the 56th minute, highlighting their dominance. The Flying Eagles must regroup for their next crucial match against Cote d’Ivoire.
In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their WAFU B U20 AFCON campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Burkina Faso on Friday in Lome, Togo. This loss poses a challenge to their title defense, which they successfully claimed in the previous edition held in Niamey, Niger Republic. Upon their arrival in Lome following an intensive training regimen at the Remo Stars Training Complex, the Flying Eagles were met with encouragement from Kunle Soname, the proprietor of the Remo Stars Institute, who pledged N5 million for successful title defense and also contributed N1 million before their departure. The match itself saw Burkina Faso assert their dominance as they secured the winning goal in the 56th minute. Despite a promising start, the Flying Eagles faced difficulty replicating their prior success. Throughout the first half, both teams struggled with momentum, yet Burkina Faso capitalized on their opportunities more effectively, creating a string of chances, while Nigeria’s left-back Kenneth Igboke had a noteworthy attempt, which was thwarted during the first half’s progress. Looking ahead, Burkina Faso will encounter Cote d’Ivoire in their next Group B match on Monday, while Nigeria must regroup to prepare for what is now a crucial matchup against the Ivorians on Thursday. This tournament serves as a qualifying platform for the upcoming Africa U20 Cup of Nations, with a focus on the two leading teams advancing into the semi-finals.
The WAFU B U20 AFCON, held in Lome, Togo, is a regional tournament featuring U20 national teams from West Africa, aiming to showcase emerging talent and secure qualification for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Nigeria’s U20 team, known as the Flying Eagles, has a storied history in the tournament, having previously claimed the title. The current edition presents a critical opportunity for these young athletes, despite the setback against Burkina Faso in their initial match.
The Flying Eagles’ unexpected defeat against Burkina Faso casts doubt on their ability to defend their title in the WAFU B U20 AFCON. While the team exhibited determination and had brief moments of threat, their inability to secure a win complicates their path to the knockout stages. As they prepare to face Cote d’Ivoire next, a strong collective effort will be required to revive their aspirations in this championship.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
