TheCable

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were bundled out of the 2019 Fifa U-20 World Cup in Poland on Monday night by Senegal.

The Nigerian team failed to book their place in the quarter-final after losing 2-1 to Amadou Sagna-inspired Senegal following a series of poor defending and finishing at the Stadion Widzewa.

Coach Paul Aigbogun was dealt a terrible blow when winger Maxwell Effiom was stretchered off due to injury.

Collins Sor, his replacement, had the chance to put the Flying Eagles in front with the keeper at his mercy after a counter attack. He, however, failed to utilise the chance.

The 36 Lion winger could not apply the finishing brake following a great work by Aniekeme Okon.

Nigeria rued the missed opportunity as Senegal went in front after Sor cheaply lost possession. Amadou Sagna poked the ball home after the Senegalese hit the Flying Eagles on the counter in the 36th minute.

Ibrahima Niane placed the ball in the yawning net for the second goal following a deadly cross from the right hand side.

The Junior Lions of Teranga led 2-0 at the break. Luck was obviously on their side against a Flying Eagles side that lost concentration.

Five minutes into the second half, Nigeria reduced the deficit. Success Makanjuola’s deadly free kick was deflected home by the impressive Okon in the 50th minute.

Niane came close to making it 3-1 in the 72nd minute, but goalkeeper Olawale Oremade punched the ball away.

The Flying Eagles went forward in search of the leveller but were met by the resistance of a determined Junior Lions of Teranga.

Senegal would proceed to the quarter finals while Mali, another Africa’s flagbearers, will confront Argentina in the last round of 16 encounter in Bielsko-Biala on Tuesday.