The Flying Eagles of Nigeria accomplished a historic feat at the 2021 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, coming third after thrashing Tunisia 4-0. This is the first time since 2013 that the Flying Eagles have achieved this feat; this third place victory is a testament to the fantastic work the team has put in.
The game started off with a bang, with Ibrahim Muhammad breaking the deadlock in the ninth minute after bundling in captain Daniel Bameyi’s cross. Ahmed Abdullahi then went close to doubling the lead in the 20th minute, only for his low shot to be well saved. Tunisia had the ball in the back of the net only for it to be disallowed for offside.
The Flying Eagles got the second half off to a perfect start as Abdullahi got the second goal on 46 minutes. He robbed a Tunisian of the ball and raced towards goal before shooting past the keeper. Just three minutes after Abdullahi’s goal, Jude Sunday added the third with a brilliant solo dribble into the Tunisian box before volleying into the net.
With eight minutes left Olamilekan Adams ran on to a through pass only to hit his shot in the side netting. Tunisia almost pulled a goal back with five minutes left to play only for Chijioke Aniagboso to deny them with a superb save. And in the 90th minute Sunday wrapped things up for the Flying Eagles by making it 4-0, after cutting inside from the left before volleying into the roof of the net.
The Flying Eagles’ victory is a reminder of how far Nigerian football has come in recent years. The team has enjoyed tremendous success and the players have proved that their hard work and dedication can take them to great heights. Nigeria’s footballing future looks very bright indeed, and it is thanks to the efforts of the Flying Eagles that Nigerian football is heading in the right direction.
