Under-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Thump Burundi 2-0
- As hosts, Niger, South Africa share spoils
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles climbed atop Group A standing at the 21st Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Niger Republic on Saturday with a 2-0 drubbing of soccer minnows, Burundi.
The victory came hours after host nation, Niger Republic and South Africa drew one-all in the tournament’s opening match.
Nigeria, seeking an eighth continental title, dominated proceedings in the first forty-five minutes, but had nothing to show for their superior possession and onslaughts against the Burundians.
However, Yahaya Nazifi broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, when he neatly put the Flying Eagles in front.
In the 71st minute, the lively Effiom Maxwell made it two for the Flying Eagles to secure the victory.
Though the Nigerian lads were on the ascendancy and came close to increasing the tally on a few occasions, the goals refused to come as the match wore on.
The result of Saturday’s match, played inside the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey, means another victory for the Flying Eagles will have them securing a spot in the semi-finals and a ticket to this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup finals in Poland.
The team is scheduled to confront South Africa on Tuesday in their second Group A match with hosts Niger Republic facing Burundi same day.
In what many football analysts say may be an explosive tie inside the Stade Seyni Kountche on Friday, the Flying Eagles are slated to take on the host nation, Niger.
The tournament continues on Sunday with matches in the all-West African Group B, where Senegal, Mali, Ghana and Burkina Faso will be battling it out for the two semi-final tickets. – With NAN reports
