February, 22 2023.
Nigeria's deemed hope of security one of the four African slots to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia, when the Curb Lions of Senegal edged the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, 1-0 on Sunday; is now back and in full glow; after the Under-20 Eagles dug deep to overcome the host nation, Egypt 1-0, in their second Group A game of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, on Wednesday.
Going into the tie against the Under-20 Pharoahs backed by their focivorous home fans, some pundits dubbed the encounter, a must win for Ladan Bosso's team, while the players and coaching crew reassured Nigerians of their readings to make amends for their disappointing start to the tournament, by winning their second group game.
After a slow start, during which Goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso made some frantic saves to keep Nigeria in the match; the duel at the Cairo International Stadium took a different dimension, when Solomon Agbalaka scored in the 70th minute, to give the Flying Eagles the lead and eventual victory.
The other Group A encounter between Senegal and Mozambique, played earlier in the day, saw the Curb Teranga Lions thrash the U-20 Mambas 3-0 to qualify for the quarterfinalist, and remain top of the log, with 6 points.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are now second, on 3 points, while both Egypt and Mozambique who played out a goalless draw on Sunday, sit at the bottom of the log, with one solitary point, apiece.
The final round of Group A matches pits Nigeria against Mozambique; while Egypt will have a mountain, in the name of Senegal to climb.
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