It has taken the efforts of Nigeria’s young guns to somewhat atone for the embarrassing failure of the Super Eagles to even qualify for last month’s Africa Cup Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea.
The Under-20 ‘Flying Eagles’ were inspired rather than intimidated by the raucous atmosphere inside Dakar’s Stade Léopold Sédar in defeating hosts Senegal 1-0 in the final of the Orange African U-20 Championship.
Nigeria’s record seventh title was sealed with a first half strike from Bernard Bulbwa, which put paid to the resistance of a Senegal side determined to put up a better performance than that which saw them capitulate 1-3 against the Nigerians in the group stage.
Flying Eagles goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo repeatedly frustrated a Senegal attack that at times appeared to be propelled by an expectant and passionate crowd. El Hadji Niang had the game’s first clear chance, but came off second best when one-on-one with the Nigeria goalkeeper, who saved well with his legs.
But a 19th minute strike from midfielder Bulbwa, who deftly trapped the ball before delivering a thunderbolt that caught Senegal goalie Ibrahim Sy flat-footed, stunned the deafening crowd to silence. The goal deservedly won Goal of the Tournament at the post-match award ceremony.
After the goal, Nigeria slowed the tempo of the game as Les Lionceaux dominated ball possession. Three minutes past the half-hour mark, the hosts had a good chance to score after Sidy Sarr played a square pass to captain Roger Gomis. But the skipper fluffed his lines by failing to work the Nigerian goalkeeper.
After the half-time break, Senegal resumed with the same high tempo with which they ended the first half but were soon to be denied by Enaholo in the Nigeria goal who managed to palm away Niang’s goal-bound drive to thunderous applause from the pockets of Nigeria fans at the stadium.
After failing to make their dominance count, the tiring Senegalese had to rely on goalkeeper Sy to make another superb save, this time from Ifeanyi Matthew three minutes from time.
The U-20 Championship was Nigeria-bound again. They now have three more titles than closest rivals Egypt.
It was double joy for Nigeria striker Musa Muhammed, who top-scored in the tournament with four goals.
In the 3rd and 4th place play-off, Ghana’s ‘Black Satellites’ defeated Mali 3-1
Nigeria and the other semi-finalists from the tournament – Senegal, Ghana and Mali – automatically qualify for the Under-20 World Cup. The Flying Eagles had already been placed in Group E with Brazil, North Korea and Hungary for the 30 May to 20 June event in New Zealand.
Senegal, Ghana and Mali learned their fate after a draw on Monday. Ghana will join Group B alongside Argentina, Panama and Austria; Senegal will face Qatar, Colombia and Portugal in Group C and Mali will battle it with Mexico, Uruguay and Serbia in Group D.
