Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco in their second Group B match at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Despite the draw, the Nigerian team put up a determined display against a Moroccan side that had scored three goals in their opening match. Both teams struggled to create clear chances in a match marked by frequent fouls and stoppages.
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, made two changes to the starting line-up, handing starts to Israel Ayuma and Precious Benjamin in place of Caleb Ochedikwu and Kparobo Arierhi.
Nigeria’s first real chance came in the 20th minute after Precious Benjamin was brought down just outside the box. The resulting free-kick flew just over the bar. Towards the end of the first half, the Flying Eagles grew stronger. Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu both saw headers miss the target, while Benjamin’s low strike was tipped out for a corner by the Moroccan goalkeeper.
The Flying Eagles dominated possession in the second half and looked more likely to score, but poor decision-making in the final third let them down once again.
Captain and central defender Daniel Bameyi was named Man of the Match for his solid defensive performance, helping Nigeria to a second clean sheet in a row. His calmness and leadership at the back were key in keeping Morocco quiet throughout the game.
Nigeria now sit second in Group B with four points, level with leaders Morocco, who have scored more goals. The Flying Eagles will look to seal qualification to the knockout stage when they face Kenya in their final group match on Wednesday, May 7.
Earlier, Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ had been named Man of the Match in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Tunisia in their opening game.
