WAFU B Championship: Flying Eagles fall to Burkina Faso in competition opener

Nigeria’s under-20 team, the Flying Eagles fell to a 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso’s under-20 team in their opening game of the 2024 WAFU Zone B Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Flying Eagles squared off against Burkina Faso in the opening game of the WAFU Championship at Stade de Municipal in Togo.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who only got appointed few weeks ago, named a strong and familiar lineup. Former players like Nwosu, Bameyi, and Igboke returned to action after featuring for the team in previous competitions.

Based on pedigree, the Flying Eagles were the favourites to nick all three points. However, it did not pan out as they would have liked.

The first half was quite drab, as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Bother teams then went into the break on level terms.

However, Burkina Faso scored in the 67th minute. Unfortunately for Zubairu and his lads, they were unable to claw their way back after going down and it eventually ended 1-0 after 90 minutes.

The result puts Nigeria in a difficult situation, as they have to defeat Ivory Coast in their next game. If they fail to do so, it could be the end of their WAFU Championship journey.

With their pedigree, the Flying Eagles will be looking to bounce back and pick up the maximum points next time out.