U-20 AFCON : Nigeria Held To Goalless Draw By Morocco 

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco in their Group B match at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

Despite both teams featuring several foreign-based players, the game failed to live up to expectations. It was a scrappy contest with few clear chances and several interruptions from minor fouls.

Nigeria’s head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, made changes to his starting line-up ahead of the game, bringing in Israel Ayuma and Precious Benjamin for Caleb Ochedikwu and Kparobo Arierhi.

Morocco had the first real chance in the 15th minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt kept out Mouad Dahak’s effort, although the flag went up for offside.

Five minutes later, Nigeria got a free-kick just outside the box after Benjamin was fouled, but his attempt went just over the crossbar.

The Flying Eagles grew into the game late in the first half. Adamu Maigari’s header was comfortably saved, and Emmanuel Chukwu also missed with a header. Benjamin came closest when his low shot to the far post was tipped out for a corner.

The second half saw Nigeria dominate possession and defend well. They looked more likely to score, especially against a Moroccan side that had scored three goals in their first group match.

However, poor decision-making in the final third meant the Flying Eagles couldn’t find the breakthrough.

Nigeria remain second in Group B with four points, the same as Morocco, who top the group due to a better goal difference. The Flying Eagles will face Kenya in their final group game on Wednesday, May 7.