In their first Group B match at the WAFU B U20 AFCON in Lome, Togo, on Friday, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were defeated 1-0 by Burkina Faso, which placed their championship defence in jeopardy.
It will be difficult for the reigning champions to advance to the knockout stages after they completed a rigorous one-week camping program at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State.
They arrived in Lome on Tuesday afternoon.
In the first game, the Flying Eagles, who had won the previous competition in Niamey, Niger Republic, found it difficult to repeat their previous performance.
Burkina Faso’s triumph over the Nigerian squad was rewarded with a goal in the 56th minute.
Both sides had trouble getting going in the first half, with Burkina Faso having the better opportunities.
The Junior Stallions were denied in the 34th minute by a pivotal stop made by custodian Nathaniel Nwosu.
The Flying Eagles gathered steam gradually, but in the second half Burkina Faso’s constant pressure paid off.
Earlier in the 31st minute, Nigerian left-back Kenneth Igboke had attacked the Burkina Faso goal, but his shot was diverted for a corner.
The Flying Eagles must regroup and concentrate on their pivotal match against the Ivorians on Thursday, while Burkina Faso will play Cote d’Ivoire in their second Group B match on Monday.
The current competition in Togo serves as a qualifier for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in 2020.
There will be only two teams from each group that advance to the semi-final.
