Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were dealt a surprising blow in their opening game of the WAFU B U-20 AFCON, falling 0-1 to Burkina Faso in a Group B match held in Lome, Togo.
Arriving in Lome as tournament favorites following an intensive week-long training camp at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, the Flying Eagles were expected to dominate. Their preparations had been boosted by a N1 million donation, but despite the high hopes, the reigning champions struggled to impose themselves on the match.
The defeat places the defending champions in a difficult position as they now face an uphill battle to progress to the knockout stages. The loss also threatens their hopes of retaining the trophy, which they won in the last edition of the tournament.
Chairman of Remo Stars and Nigeria Premier Football League team, Mr. Kunle Soname, had promised the team a N5 million reward if they successfully defend their title in Togo and bring the trophy back home. However, the Flying Eagles must first overcome this setback.
The match saw Nigeria struggle to break down a resolute Burkinabe defense, with the first half ending goalless. Burkina Faso, who looked more threatening throughout, finally found the breakthrough in the 56th minute when they capitalized on a lapse in the Nigerian defense to score the game’s only goal.
Despite Nigeria’s efforts to equalize, Burkina Faso held firm and secured all three points, leaving the Flying Eagles needing a victory in their next game to stay in the tournament.
Only two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, making Nigeria’s next match against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday crucial for their survival in the competition. Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will face the Ivorians on Monday in their second Group B match.
This tournament in Togo also serves as a qualifier for the 2020 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, adding extra pressure for Nigeria to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive.
