A WIN over the Young Atlas Lions of Morocco would have secured Nigeria’s place in the knockout stages of the 2023 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Algeria.
However, the Nduka Ugbade-led Golden Eaglets of Nigeria lost one nil to Morocco in a match day two encounter played at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Wednesday evening.
Both teams came into the game with a mission to qualify for the quarterfinals having won their first group games against Zambia and South Africa, respectively.
As early as the second minute, Morocco went in front courtesy of a deflected shot played by Abdel Hamid Maali. The Tanger B youngster shot across goal but the ball struck the body of Nigeria’s Tochukwu Ogboji before going past the goalkeeper.
Nigeria had numerous opportunities to draw level and even win the game but they failed to take their chances and ended up losing the encounter.
Match Statistics
Nigeria: 27 shots, 4 on target, 64% possession and 407 passes.
Morocco: 3 shots, 1 on target, 36% possession, 242 passes.
Reactions
Nigerians have taken to the social media to express disappointment in the Golden Eaglets.
We lost to a better coached and a very organized Moroccan side,I was impressed with the Moroccans.We will certainly qualify but maybe 2nd or 3rd ,with that if we meet technical and tactical teams like Senegal and Mali before the Semis then we might not qualify for the World cup
— Kayblitz_Da Bawz (@kenokeyatuegwu) May 3, 2023
This is not so good for us here why always North Africa we don't have good record with teams from they
— Maxciloaded (@sundayusenobon1) May 3, 2023
This is not so good for us here why always North Africa we don't have good record with teams from they
— Maxciloaded (@sundayusenobon1) May 3, 2023
Pls help tell the coache to let the guys know how to pass accurately and they should not be fearing they need calmness
— Oluwagbenga Seun (@OluwagbengaSeu3) May 3, 2023
These Golden Eaglets are so wasteful. Wonder why their number 9 was named as skipper. Otu!
— Shina Oludare 🇳🇬 (@sportingshina) May 3, 2023
FT: Nigeria U17 0-1 Morocco U17
Golden Eaglets couldn't convert their several chances as they bowed 1-0 to Morroco U17 through an own goal.
Their anxiety level made them to rush most of their chances.
Its a learning phase.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 3, 2023
Despite losing this encounter, Nigeria still stand a chance of advancing to the next round. The five time FIFA UN-17 World Cup champions will need to avoid defeat in their final game either by winning or drawing.
A win is the only sure ticket to advancing as at now, as they have 0 goal difference. Morocco have six points from two games and have secured one of the two tickets available in group B.
The ticket to the quarter-finals is sealed ✅
🇲🇦 Morocco advance to the 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 knockout stages 🦁@EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/t0XltWoHs4
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 3, 2023
Nigeria will play the final group game against the South African national team on Saturday, May 6, at Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui (8PM Nigerian Time).
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