U-17: Burkina Faso End Golden Eaglets’ AFCON, World Cup Dreams
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Thursday night crashed out of the 2023 Under-17 AFCON tournament in Algeria, no thanks to the dogged display by Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons who took the few available opportunities to triumph 2-1 in their quarter-final tie.
The disappointing loss in Algiers signalled the Eaglets’ exit from the continental tournament and a disastrous end to their dreams of attending this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup holding from 10 November to 2 December 2023.
The tournament will hold in a yet to be decided venue after FIFA withdrew Peru’s hosting rights following extensive discussions with the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF).
On a night that the five-time World Champions created far more opportunities than their Burkinabe opponents, they were unfortunately denied the needed goals by either the sticks or the brilliance of goalkeeper Isidore.
With the victory, Burkina Faso complete Africa’s representatives at the World Cup alongside Senegal, Mali and Morocco that had earlier booked their tickets.
The first big chance of the game for Nigeria came in eighth minute but Abubakar Abdullahi’s superb effort from outside the box hit the cross bar. This was followed seven minutes later when Charles Agadas attempt also come off the woodwork from six yards.
In the 40th minute, Jeremiah Olaleke saved the Eaglets’ blushes by heading the ball away on the goal-line with goalkeeper Richard Odoh stranded.
Despite the Nigerians’ impressive showing, it was the Burkinabes that drew the first blood as Aboubacar Camara pounced on a poor clearance by the Eaglets’ defence to put them 1-0.
The second half saw the Golden Eaglets firing on all cylinders but unfortunately, they failed to break down the opposition,s resistance. And 11 minutes into the second half, the Young Etalons pulled further ahead when Camara scored from the penalty spot following a foul on Souleymane Alio.
The 68th minute saw Abubakar pulling a goal back which turned out to be a consolatory strike for the Eaglets. This came off an excellent work from the left flank by Favour Daniel and Emmanuel Michael.
However, it proved an uphill task for the Nigerian teenagers to save the day as their Burkina Faso counterparts defended stoutly to claim a famous victory; a place in the AFCON semi-finals; and ultimately, the FIFA World Cup ticket.
