U23 Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria lose to Ivory Coast

The Nigeria U23 team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in their opening Group B tie at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt.

The West African derby saw a lot of missed chances in the first half with both sides unable to find the back of the net after 45 minutes.

Cup holders, Nigeria, failed to take advantage of an apparent familiar Al Salam Stadium in Cairo – the same venue where the Super Eagles picked up the bronze medals of the 2019 AFCON after pipping Tunisia 1-0 in July.

A defensive error midway into the second half changed the narrative of the game and Nigeria went down by the goal that eventually earned Ivory Coast three points.

Nigeria defender Olisa Harold Ndah was sent off in the 70th minute for simulation inside the danger area after which Silas Gnaka nicely converted the penalty in the 71st minute.

With just 13 shots and two on target, coach Imama Amapakabo and his players were left licking their wounds at the end of regulation time.

Defending champions Nigeria will now need to defeat Zambia and South Africa to stand a good chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Lately Nigeria age grades teams are failing to leave up to the expectations with the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles both recording disappointing outings at the U17 and U20 World Cups respectively.

Nigeria starting lineup vs Ivory Coast