The Nigeria U-20 national football team has ended their campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U-20 tournament with a 4-0 victory over Tunisia.
After being denied the chance for an unprecedented eight titles by Gambia, the Flying Eagles came with full force in the third tie on Friday and just blew North Africa away.
fire starter
Ibrahim Muhammed gave the Flying Eagles an early lead, scoring the opening goal just nine minutes into the game.
Tunisia after an early setback kept the Flying Eagles at bay for the rest of the first half.
However, Ahmed Abdullahi made it 2-0 for Nigeria shortly after the half-time break.
In the 49th minute, Jude Sunday joined the scoring with a superb solo goal to extend the Flying Eagles’ lead to 3-0.
The young midfielder put the icing on the cake with another sumptuous finish in stoppage time to effectively seal Nigeria’s 4-0 victory.
Coach Ladan Bosso’s boys saved the best for last as it was the biggest win of the tournament in Egypt.
While Nigeria is already a record winner with eight titles, Friday’s victory also made the country the nation with the most Afcon U20 bronze medals in history.
Before now, Nigeria finished third in the 1995, 2009, and 2013 editions of the U20 Afcon.
After ending the campaign on a high, the Flying Eagles hope to get it right as they turn their attention to the FIFA U20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Indonesia between May 20 and June 11, 2023.
Senegal and Gambia, the only teams to beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in this year’s AFCON U-20 tournament will be squaring off in the final.
Both teams have been formidable; winning all their matches without conceding a goal in the process.
The Minister praised the Flying Eagles
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports Sunday Darehas praised the Flying Eagles for third place.
Describing the bronze medal as better than nothing, the Minister told the team to use the lessons learned in the tournament as they prepare for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.
“We are disappointed that we could not play in the final or win this competition as planned, but the convincing victory against Tunisia today (Friday) has taken away the pain we felt last Monday after the Gambia match. A bronze medal is better than nothing.
“Now we also have to focus on doing better at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia in May. Time is still short, but I believe the coaches now know where to focus to improve the team,” Mr. Dare added.
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
