The Nigeria Under-20 national team started their Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a bad note after losing 1-0 to Senegal with 10 men at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles were making a return to the tournament since 2019 having failed to qualify for the previous edition in Mauritania.
Things however didn’t start well for the seven-time champions as Senegal took the lead in the 40th minute via Soulaymane Faye after the rebound from a save made by Nigeria goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu fell to the CF Talavera forward’s path to fire from close range
The young Teranga Lions were in control of the tie for the majority of the match and had better chances to extend their lead but all went begging.
The game ended on a sour note for Nigeria after substitute Ahmed Abdullahi was sent off for a second bookable offence in added time.
🚨 RESULTS 🚨
2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 opening day wrapped-up ✅
Any surprises? 👀 pic.twitter.com/y47DSx0QzW
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 19, 2023
Ladan Bosso’s men will face another tough challenge when they take on hosts Egypt in their next game. The Young Pharaohs played out a goalless draw with Mozambique in their Group A match played earlier.
