The Flying Eagles’ aim to win a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title came to a halt, following a 1-0 defeat in the hands of the Amajita of South Africa at the Suez Canal stadium in Ismailia, as Nigeria U-20 side crashed out of the competition in the semi-finals.
The seven-time champions came into the fixture high on confidence, having eliminated defending champions, Senegal on penalties in the quarter-finals, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt the hero, after saving two spot-kicks and were looking to get one over the less-fancied South Africans.
The West African nation started off well, controlling possession which resulted in 10 shots in the first half. Kparobo Arierhi, Clinton Jephta, and Tahir Maigana all went close with half chances, with an effort from Arierhi hitting the crossbar while Maigana curling shot went wide, as both teams went into the interval with the scores on level terms.
Upon resumption of the second period, Nigeria continued to look for the all-important go-ahead goal, but battled with profligacy in front of goal. However, it was the Amajita who went ahead in the 69th minute, albeit through a goalkeeping calamity at the back.
A corner kick from South Africa was half-cleared, but the return cross found Tylon Smith, who headed home after Nigeria’s back up keeper, Ajia Yakub failed to claim the ball under no pressure. Yakub had earlier replaced Harcourt in the 52nd minute, after suffering an injury.
The Eagles pushed for an equaliser, with Auwal Ibrahim and Emmanuel Chukwu both going close late on, but the Amajita were simply so strong and resolute in defence to secure the win. They now advance to the final, their first time in 28 years, where they will aim to win a maiden U-20 title while Nigeria will contend for the third-place match this weekend, although Odinaka Okoro will play no further part in the competition, having picked up a yellow card against South Africa, which earned him a one-match suspension.