Nigeria vs Ivory Coast | Flying Eagles Tamed By Junior Elephants In 2nd Friendly Match

Flying Eagles Tamed by Junior Elephants in U20 Friendly Clash

Nigeria 0-2 Ivory Coast | Junior Elephants Prove Too Strong in Second Friendly

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Junior Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in their second U20 international friendly match played on Friday, February 28, 2025.

With both teams using the encounter to fine-tune preparations for the upcoming 2025 U20 AFCON, it was the Ivorians who showed greater sharpness and tactical discipline, securing a well-deserved victory.

Match Summary

The Junior Elephants opened the scoring as early as the 17th minute, punishing a momentary lapse in the Nigerian defense. Despite efforts from the Flying Eagles to respond, the Ivorians remained solid at the back, frustrating Nigeria’s attacking moves.

The killer blow came in the 53rd minute, when the Ivorians doubled their lead, sealing victory over Nigeria in what was a heated and highly competitive encounter.

How the Flying Eagles Lined Up:

Starting XI:
1️⃣ Rufa’i
2️⃣ Mufa’u
3️⃣ Ezekiel
4️⃣ Bameyi
7️⃣ Wasiu
🔟 Okoro
1️⃣1️⃣ Olise
1️⃣2️⃣ Jephta
1️⃣7️⃣ Amole
1️⃣8️⃣ Cletus
2️⃣0️⃣ Maigari

Reserves:
1️⃣6️⃣ Hacourt
1️⃣5️⃣ Mathew
9️⃣ Salihu
1️⃣9️⃣ Jolomi
5️⃣ Aliyu
1️⃣4️⃣ Alabi
1️⃣3️⃣ Ibrahim
8️⃣ Adeleke
6️⃣ Adamu

What’s Next?

Both teams will take valuable lessons from this encounter as they intensify their preparations for the 2025 U20 AFCON. For Nigeria, the focus will be on tightening their defense and improving attacking efficiency, while Ivory Coast will look to build on their momentum.

Can the Flying Eagles bounce back stronger before the tournament kicks off? Time will tell!

Stay tuned to CitySports NG for more updates on Nigeria’s U20 squad and their journey to the 2025 U20 AFCON!