Nigeria lifts African U20 trophy

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are champions of Africa for the record seventh time after pipping the hard fighting Junior Lions of Senegal by a lone at Stade LS Senghor, Dakar, Senegal on Sunday.
With thunderous cheers from crowd at the arena, the Flying Eagles started the tension soaked match on a strong note with effort at curtailing the Junior Lions from fast breaks as both sides struggle hard for the African U20 crown.
Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo denied El Hadji Malick Niang from burying a golden opportunity just after nine minutes from kick off.
Again, the Senegalese pressured the Flying Eagles defence but skipper Musa Muhammed’s block was on time to deny the hosts from hitting the back of the net.
In the 18th minute, a momentary silence graced the arena as Bernard Balbwa out Nigeria ahead.
The master strike rested at the back of the net.
The goal was world class.
Just after the goal, the Nigerian supporters went into serious jubilations, while the Senegalese fans hoped and prayed for an equaliser.
The Senegalese made several attempts at leveling up but the attacking fire power of the team denied them the opportunity.
The main culprit was captain, Roger Gomis, whose poor kick was largely booed by the home fans.
Again, the Nigerian fans began to yell for more goals from the Flying Eagles but it Senegal’s Niang that was denied another goal as he directed at the upright in the 40th minute.
Nigeria led by a lone goal into the break.
On resumption for the second 45 minutes, the Senegalese launched several attacking forays at Nigeria’s goal area but Flying Eagles’ Enaholo prevented them from an equalizer.
Obinna Nwobodo was stretchered off the pitch due to an injury.
Nwobodo was quickly replaced by Ibrahim Abdullahi in the 56th minute of the tie.
In the 59th minute, the Flying Eagles came close to burying the hosts, but goalkeeper Ibrahim Sy this time parried the ball for resultant corner.
On the counter attack, the Junior Lions missed another glorious opportunity to come back into the game as Niang’s shot went wide from goal.
Senegal’s goalie Sy was on point once again as he quickly rushed to stop Taiwo Awoniyi from taking his goal tally in the competition to four.