Flying Eagles Held to Goalless Draw by Morocco in U-20 AFCON
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles battled to a 0-0 draw against Morocco’s Atlas Cubs in their second Group B match at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
The tense encounter at Cairo’s 30 June Air Defence Stadium saw both teams create chances but fail to find the back of the net. With this result, both nations now have four points from two matches, though Morocco leads the group on goal difference.
Defenses Dominate in Cairo Clash
Coach Aliyu Zubairu made two changes to Nigeria’s starting lineup, bringing in Precious Benjamin and Israel Ayuma to freshen up the attack. The move nearly paid off in the 21st minute when Benjamin’s free-kick sailed just over the crossbar.
Morocco responded seven minutes later with a dangerous attack of their own. Nigerian captain Daniel Bameyi showed quick thinking to clear the ball off the line, keeping the scoresheet blank.
“Both teams showed great defensive discipline today,” said football analyst Ahmed Hassan. “When two well-organized sides meet, sometimes it’s difficult to break through.”
Late Chances Fail to Break Deadlock
The Flying Eagles thought they deserved a penalty in the 73rd minute when Divine Oliseh went down in the box after a challenge from a Moroccan defender. The referee waved play on despite loud protests from the Nigerian bench.
As the match entered its final stages, Nigeria pushed for a winner. Ayuma tried his luck with a long-range effort in the 90th minute, but his shot didn’t trouble the Moroccan goalkeeper.
Group B Wide Open
With this draw, Group B remains highly competitive heading into the final round of matches. Morocco tops the group with four points and a better goal difference than second-placed Nigeria, who also have four points.
Tunisia sits third with three points after their win against Kenya, who have been eliminated following two straight losses.
“We’re still in a good position,” said Nigeria’s coach Zubairu after the match. “Our destiny is in our own hands. A win against Kenya will take us through to the quarterfinals.”
Final Group Matches Crucial
The Flying Eagles will face Kenya on Wednesday, May 7, needing a victory to guarantee their spot in the knockout stages. On the same day, Morocco will battle Tunisia in what promises to be a decisive encounter for both teams.
The top two teams from Group B will advance to the quarterfinals, joining the qualifiers from the other groups in the race for continental glory.
For Nigerian fans, the hope remains that their young stars can find their scoring touch in time for the crucial final group game.
