Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were held to a goalless draw by familiar foes Burkina Faso in their opening Group B match in the WAFU B U17 AFCON qualifying tournament in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday.
The match, which made for a poised encounter as it was evenly contested by both sides, was ruined in the latter stages by the playing conditions, as the heavy downpour at the University of Ghana Stadium made the pitch surface unpleasant to play on.
FT in Accra
Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬
Amidst torrential rainfall, it ends in a goalless draw in our first game at the #WAFUBU17 tournament. #SoarGoldenEaglets #WAFUBU17 pic.twitter.com/deNuBoUQaq
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) May 16, 2024
HB Academy striker Raphael Adams had Nigeria’s first chance of the game, but his effort was saved comfortably by the Burkinabe goalie. Twelve minutes later, Chinedu Dominic kept the game level for the Eaglets as his brilliant save denied Burkina Faso the opener.
Team captain Simon Cletus played midfield partner Abdulmuiz Oladimeji through, but the youngster failed to break the deadlock in the 26th minute.
The first half ended scoreless, and Cletus, who was in inspired form, should have put Nigeria in front, but the wrong decision cost him his opportunity after he chose to pass rather than shoot while clearly on goal.
The Eaglets, who are the defending champions, were denied later on by the woodwork following constant pressure on Burkina Faso’s defense.
The Manu Garba-led Nigerian side couldn’t break the deadlock as they shared the spoils with the Junior Stallions. The Golden Eaglets will be in action next Sunday, May 19, after Burkina Faso has locked horns with Togo.
