U-23 AFCON: Defending champions Nigeria lose opening game to Cote d’Ivoire

The Olympic Eagles of Nigeria were beaten 1-0 by Cote d’Ivoire in their opening game of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.

The Imama Amapakabo team, who won the competition four years ago, began their title defence on a disappointing note at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo in Egypt.

Cote d’Ivoire got the winner from a penalty kick, which was awarded after Nigerian centre-back Olisa Ndah was sent off following a poor tackle inside the box.

Read Also: After dumping Super Falcons, Dennerby now coach of India’s U-17 women

Nigeria had more chances in the second half but the Iviorians dominated the most part of the encounter.

Nigeria’s best chance came in the 65th minute when Orji Okonkwo came close to scoring from a corner, but his header hit the cross bar.

The Eagles will face Zambia in their next group B game on Tuesday at the Al Salam Stadium.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now