The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were halted by the Gambia in their bid to reach the final of the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
They suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Young Scorpions of Gambia, with Adama Bojang scoring the decisive goal seven minutes after a mistake by Daniel Bamaiyi, the Flying Eagles’ captain.
Although Gambia only managed one shot throughout the game, the Nigerians struggled to be creative in the attacking third, which hindered their chances of getting back into the game.
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The team was granted a penalty six minutes from full time after Ahmed Abdullahi, a substitute, was fouled in the box, but he hit the woodwork and missed the chance to equalize.
Despite Haruna Njie being sent off for a cynical challenge, Gambia held on to secure the victory.
“I am very frustrated because we had the team to go all the way. Football is cruel. We didn’t measure up. I congratulate The Gambia for winning,” Coach Ladan Bosso reflected after the game.
The Flying Eagles will face Tunisia in the third-place match on Friday.
