Nigeria’s Flying Eagles played a 2-2 draw against the Junior Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire in their last Group A game of the CAF U20 Championship on Saturday.
Cote d’ Ivoire scored the first goal of the game in the 4th minute of the game. Their number 9, striker Niangbo latched on a cross to shoot low to the far side of the Nigerian goal completely beating the reach of keeper Olorunleke Ojo.
Taiwo Awoniyi almost got to the end of a great pass from a freekick but keeper Diabagate in goal for the Ivorians saved the day for his team.
Nigeria equalised in the 26th minute through Christian Pyagbara who ran into the space on the left side of the pitch from a beautifully weighted pass from Obinna Nwobodo and hits a low left footed shot beyond the reach of the keeper. It was then 1-1.
It was soon 2-1 advantage to the Ivory Coast in the 34th minute, who had their second goal of the game when striker Bedia (number 15) poked home a cross which the Nigeria defence failed to clear.
In the 53rd minute, Olorunleke Ojo tipped over the bar a deceptive cross by an Ivorian forward. The corner was dealt with but the ref flagged Nigerian players offside from the ensuing move.
The Flying Eagles came back into the game in the 67th minute when left back Mustapha was brought down in the box, winning Nigeria a penalty. Skipper Musa Mohammed scored from the spot. His third penalty goal of the Championship. Nigeria 2-2 Cote d’ Ivoire.
The Eagles will now play the runners-up in Group B on Wednesday, March 18.
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