The Golden Eaglets fell 3-2 to Burkina Faso in their opening group game of the zonal U17 AFCON qualifiers in Niamey, Niger on Monday.
Nigeria played a sleek passing game but they came up a very organised opponent in the young Stallions from Burkina Faso.
The Nigerians showed character after they had to fight back from two quick goals to level scores at 2-2 by half time.
However, Burkina Faso scored the winner in the 78th minute courtesy of a solo effort by their dangerous striker and now lead the three-team group.
The Eaglets will play their next game on Thursday against Cote d’Ivoire.
Hosts Niger were held to a goalless draw by Togo in Group A.
Only the overall winners of the zonal qualifiers will advance to the tournament proper in Tanzania next year.
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