African Games: Flying Eagles Crash Out

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s hopes of glory at the African Games are over after the Flying Eagles were eliminated following a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to 10-man Senegal.

Ladan Bosso’s youngsters showed character to twice come back against their opponents but were ultimately undone by a late penalty that sealed their fate.

Charles Adah Agada had given Nigeria a dream start by firing them ahead early on, only for Idrissa Gueye’s quick-fire brace to turn the game on its head before half-time.

When Favour Izuogu, the 18-year-old Enyimba starlet, levelled things up after the break, it looked like the Flying Eagles may battle their way to an important point.

But there was late, late drama as Papa Mamadou Diouf stepped up to convert a decisive 66th-minute spot-kick that ended Nigeria’s African Games campaign.

It was a cruel blow for Bosso’s side, who had gone into the group game still harbouring hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.

However, this 3-2 loss coupled with their previous 2-1 defeat to Uganda in their opener means the Flying Eagles exit having won just one of their three group matches in Ghana.