Flying Eagles Thrash Hosts Senegal 3-1 In CAF U-20 Tournament

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, got off to a brilliant start at the 2015 CAF U20 Youth Championship, defeating hosts Senegal 3-1 on Sunday evening.

Taiwo Awoniyi scored Nigeria’s first goal in the 8th minute. The striker chased down the ball, beating an onrushing keeper S. Sy, who misjudged the flight of the ball, and swept home the ball for the opening goal.

Awoniyi was on target again barely three minutes later.

The goal was similar to the first. The striker shrugged off the challenge of Senegal’s towering keeper and a maurading defender to score a composed goal.

Senegal reduced the score, Sidy Sarr (number 8) capitalising on uncertainty in the Flying Eagles defending to score a left-footed effort in the 26th minute.

Senegal were guilty of wasting glorious chances which would have punished a profligate defending by the Nigerians. On their part, Manu Garba’s team gave away the ball on several occasions.

Ifeanyi Matthew scores a cracking goal in the 43rd minute; a shot from the edge of the box to make it  Nigeria 3-1 Senegal.

Bernard Bulbwa wasted a great chance with some naïve shooting in the 48th minute. Senegal’s attackers must have taughrt him how to miss it when it mattered most.

Moussa Kone of Senegal who troubled the Nigerian defence all evening almost made it 2-2 when he latched unto a fine long pass but his contact not strong enough.  Wasiu Jimoh wasted a good chance soon afterwards for the Flying Eagles .

The Eagles defended stoutly despite numerous chances gotten by Senegal to see off the hosts.

Nigeria will play Congo on Wednesday in their second Group A game at 5.30pm Nigerian time.