Nigeria’s under-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in the second leg of their international friendly double-header, Afrosport reports.
The Flying Eagles, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, won the first leg 2-0 on Wednesday but were undone by two goals in either half at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan on Friday.
Tape Yaya Kader opened the scoring for the Young Elephants in the 17th minute with a brilliant finish to head into the halftime break with the lead.
The hosts doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half with Isaac Cisse scoring from the penalty spot.
Despite Nigeria’s attempts to get on the scoresheet, resolute defending from Ivorians ensured they won the game, with both teams finishing the friendly with one win apiece.
The two games, however, helped sharpened both teams for this year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, which will take place from 26 April to 18 May.
The Flying Eagles were drawn in a tough Group B alongside South Africa and North African powerhouses Egypt and Morocco.
Meanwhile, hosts Cote d’Ivoire will battle DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and another Central African representative in Group A.
The four finalists from the tournament will represent Africa at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile in September.
