The Flying Eagles’ dream of lifting an eighth U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title ended on Thursday after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in the semi-finals at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team went into the game full of confidence after knocking out defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals through a 3-1 penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt saving two spot-kicks.
Nigeria started the match strongly, controlling the game and creating several chances. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana all had close attempts. Arierhi hit the crossbar while Maigana’s curling shot missed narrowly, but the first half ended goalless.
In the second half, Nigeria continued to press for a goal. However, it was South Africa who broke the deadlock in the 69th minute. A poor clearance from a corner led to a cross that found Tylon Smith, who headed into the net after Nigeria’s substitute goalkeeper Ajia Yakub failed to claim the ball.
Yakub had replaced Harcourt earlier in the 52nd minute due to injury.
Despite late efforts from Auwal Ibrahim and Emmanuel Chukwu, the Flying Eagles couldn’t find an equaliser. South Africa held on to book a place in the final, while Nigeria will now play for third place this weekend.
The team will also be without Odinaka Okoro for the third-place match, as he is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the game.
