The Flying Eagles of Nigeria endured a tough start to their title defense at the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship, losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso in their opening match at the Stade Municipal in Lome.
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Despite a determined effort, Aliyu Zubairu’s side struggled to find their form, and it was Burkina Faso’s Fandino Abib Coulibaly who broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with the game’s only goal.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu, was one of the few bright spots for the team. He made a crucial save in the first half, keeping the score level going into the break. Burkina Faso, however, had the upper hand throughout the match, dominating possession and creating several chances.
The Flying Eagles, reigning champions of the tournament, were noticeably out of sync, lacking cohesion in their play and failing to create many clear-cut opportunities. Left-back Kenneth Igboke came close for Nigeria in the first half, but his effort was deflected for a corner. Burkina Faso’s relentless pressure eventually paid off, handing them a vital victory.
The defeat leaves Nigeria in a precarious position in the group stage. With only one group match remaining, the Flying Eagles must secure a win against Cote d’Ivoire in their final game to have any hope of advancing to the semi-finals. This upcoming clash, scheduled for next Thursday at the same venue, will be a decisive test for the Nigerian side as they look to avoid an early exit from the tournament.
For Nigeria, the pressure is now on. A victory over Cote d’Ivoire is essential to keep their title defense alive and to recover from what has been a disappointing start.
