The Flying Eagles of Nigeria’s coach, Ladan Bosso, has blamed a lack of comprehension for Monday’s semifinal loss to Gambia at 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gambia beat the Flying Eagles by 1-0 in Cairo to make it to their first final.
After eight minutes, Adama Bojang scored to send Abdoulie Bojang’s team through.
The Flying Eagles’ substitute, Ahmed Abdullahi, had a chance to tie the game from the penalty spot, but his shot hit the post.
On the CAF website, a sad Bosso said, “We lost stupidly; we were naive from the start.”
“We failed to take our chances and missed the penalty in the 86th minute.
“I am very frustrated because we had the team go all the way. Football is cruel.
“We didn’t measure up. I congratulate The Gambia for winning,” he added.
Saturday’s final will be between Gambia and Senegal, and the third-place match will be between the Flying Eagles and Tunisia.
Meanwhile, each Flying Eagles player will receive $5,000 for qualifying Nigeria for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia, according to Xtra.net.
The generosity will benefit all 21 players who signed up for this year’s U20 AFCON.
When they beat Uganda 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the U20 AFCON in Egypt, the Flying Eagles made it to the U20 World Cup.
The Junior Eagles lost 1-0 to the Gambia in the semifinals of the U20 AFCON on Monday night. They were trying to stay on track for a record-setting eighth title, which they would have done if they had won.
Africa will be represented at the U20 World Cup in Indonesia by the Flying Eagles, Gambia, Senegal, and Tunisia. The tournament, which was supposed to take place in May, will start on March 31.
