Nigeria’s U20 men's national team suffered a disappointing start to their campaign at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations following a 1-0 Senegal at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Sunday.
Souleymane Faye's first half effort was all the junior Terranga Lions required to condemn the WAFU B champions to an opening defeat in the 12-nation tournament in the North African nation.
The seven-time champions made a bright start to the encounter but were unfortunate not score a goal in the first 45 minutes despite dominating possession and creating goal scoring chances.
The Senegalese, however capitalised on the only chance they created in 40th minute as Faye scored the only goal after goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu parried the ball into his path.
Coach Ladan Bosso made substitutions in the second half with Halliru Sarki making way for Emmanuel Uchegbu while Jude Sunday came in for Ibrahim Mohammad, but the Flying Eagles could still not avoid defeat.
Ahmed Abdullahi, who came in for Olamilekan Adams in the 76th minute was sent off for a high foot challenge on a Senegalese in the 90th minute, seeing a second bookable offence to leave the Flying Eagles with 10 men.
The young Terranga Lions have now gotten their revenge after the The Cubs lost to Nigeria in the final of the 2015 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
