Nigeria’s Flying Eagles failed to reach the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland after losing their Round of 16 match 2-1 to their West Africa rival, Senegal at the Lodz Stadium on Monday.
Senegal netted two first half goals, while the Flying Eagles scored early in second half but chased the game in vain till the end.
Senegalese attacker, Sagna made a mince meat of a hesitant Nigerian defence in the 36th minute, brushing aside Rabiu Zulkifilu to beat goalkeeper, Orewale Oremade to open the scoring in the game.
And it got worse for the Flying Eagles just before the break as Alpha Diounkou found space in the left hand side of their opponents defence to cross for Niane to score.
It was 2-1 four minutes after the restart as Success Makanjuola’s deft free kick was deflected in by Aniekeme Okon.
Aigbogun threw on Tom Dele-Bashiru as Nigeria sought to bounce back but it was Oremade that was required to pull off a great save to deny Senegal a game-clinching goal.
Senegal fought hard to ward off the Nigerian lads’ desperate search for a goal that might extend the contest to extra time.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
