Nigeria swallowed by Teranga Lions in U20 Africa Cup of Nations opener

It was an unwanted start for seven-time record champions Nigeria in Egypt, after they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to their Senegalese counterparts in their opening Group A match of the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Ladan Bosso-tutored side were on the back of a long unbeaten run, which included wins over Zambia and Congo, but the West African derby saw little or no chances created and, suffered a slow start in its early moments.

However, it was the Francophone nation who showed more hunger and quality overall and were rewarded for their effort through Souleymane Faye winner.

The Cubs made a promising start ahead of their WAFU-B rivals and eventually found a breakthrough with a quick counterattack, leaving Souleymane Faye with an easy tap in from a close range for the WAFU-A champions’ lead.

From that moment, Nigeria were second best and did not look like grabbing the equaliser but eventually managed to get an attempt at goal after 87 minutes of action, but it wasn’t enough to beat goalkeeper Landing Badji.

The struggling Flying Eagles were further rendered wingless when substitute Ahmed Abdullahi, who had only come on for Adams Olamilekan in the 75th minute, received his marching orders following a second bookable offence.

The defeat now saw Senegal go straight to the top of the table while Nigeria fall to the bottom of Group A with no points, following a goalless draw in the opening fixture between hosts Egypt and Mozambique.

The Cubs have now gotten their revenge after losing to Nigeria in the final of the 2015 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Following the loss, the Flying Eagles will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they face hosts Egypt in their second group game.