Under-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Crash Out After Receiving Buhari’s Message

Nigeria’s Under-20 national team popularly known as the Flying Eagles have crashed out of the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Flying Eagles faced the Gambia in the semi-finals of the Under-20 AFCONs at the Cairo International Stadium this evening.

Ahead of the game, Nigeria’s Sports Minister Sunday Dare delivered President Muhammad Buhari’s message to the youngsters in Cairo on Sunday which was to go for the trophy.

Less than 24 hours after the message from the president, the Flying Eagles that defeated Uganda Under-20 team 1-0 in the quarter-finals, couldn’t do much against the Gambia.

As early as the 7th minute, Gambia had already taken the lead. Ebrima Singhateh’s pass found 18-year-old Gambian forward Adama Bojang who perfectly picked his spot to give his team the lead.

Afterward, Nigeria took over the game, and asked all the questions but couldn’t break into the tight defense of the Gambians.

The Flying Eagles recorded 21 shots, four of which were on Target, yet they could not equalize in 90+6 minutes of action. They enjoyed 64 percent of the ball possession but the Gambia was too focused for the Nigerian side.

Nigerian will now focus on playing the Tunisia Under-20 team in the losers’ final on Friday, March 10. The match will kick off at 15:00.

The final will take place on Saturday between Senegal and the Gambia on Saturday, March 11 at 18:00.