Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their second group stage fixture at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The result sees both teams remain joint-top of their group with four points each, with everything to play for in the final round of group matches.
The encounter kicked off with early drama in the 15th minute when Morocco thought they had found the opener, only for the goal to be correctly disallowed for offside.
Just moments later, the Flying Eagles earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after Precious Benjamin was fouled just outside the area by Hamza Koutoune. However, the opportunity was squandered as the resulting set-piece failed to threaten the Moroccan goal.
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In the 21st minute, a lapse in Nigeria’s defence nearly handed Morocco a chance to take the lead, but Emmanuel Chukwu was alert and produced a crucial block to deny a long-range effort.
Nigeria came closest in the 43rd minute when Benjamin fired a shot from inside the box, forcing an excellent save from Moroccan goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch.
The second half saw both teams adopt a more cautious approach. Nigeria managed three shots on target by the 73rd minute but were unable to capitalise on their chances.
A late effort from Ayuma in the 90th minute, following a poor Moroccan clearance, flew over the bar — summing up a frustrating evening for the Flying Eagles.
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Flying Eagles next face eliminated Kenya who were smashed 3-1 by Tunisia earlier today, Morocco will face fellow North Africans Tunisia in a do or die affair on the 7th of May.
