Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets started their WAFU B U-17 Championship campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Niger Republic on Wednesday night.
Niger took control in the 19th minute after Nigeria goalkeeper Mutiu Adedayo was unable to deal with a cross into his penalty area. Abdoul Razaq Zada capitalised on the mistake, keeping his composure to slot the ball into the net.
The result leaves Eboboritse Uwejamomere’s team at the bottom of Group A without a point after their opening fixture.
Niger secured the victory four minutes from full time when Abdoul Rakilou added a second goal. Nigeria responded with a late effort from Mubarak Fasiu deep into stoppage time, but the consolation was not enough to rescue a point for the Golden Eaglets.
The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a positive result in their final group match against Cote d’Ivoire to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. The two teams will contest the second qualification place in the group.
Cote d’Ivoire have one point after drawing 1-1 with Niger. That result has left their meeting with Nigeria as a crucial contest for the remaining semi-final position.
Niger, meanwhile, have already guaranteed their place in the semi-finals after collecting four points from two matches.