Sports
CAF U20 Boys: Nigeria Beat Tunisia 1-0 in Group B Opener
The Nigerian Flying Eagles this evening at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo Egypt piped the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia by a lone goal at the CAF U20 Group B opener before a capacity crowd of 30,000 fans.
Akwa Ibom FC Mid fielder, Auwal Ibrahim got a thorough pass from his defender in the Eagles team, Odinaka Okoro in the 38th minute to register the lone goal.
The Flying Eagles did not bubble at all playing far from expectation as stats records were close with 10-8 shots at goal to Nigeria; 4-2 on target; 56-49% ball possession showing that Nigeria did not really control the match especially conceding 3-6 corner kicks to Tunisia showing pressure was on the Nigerian defence. Nigeria had 15 foul calls to Tunisia’s 18 meaning Nigeria is equally a rough team that shared 3-3 yellow cards in the game.
Morocco and Kenya are meeting later today in the other Group B Opener.
Nigeria and Tunisia actually met once and it was at the AFCON Youth championship where Nigeria on 10th March 2023 blasted Tunisia 4-0 with 1-0 at half time.
Scorers then were Ibrahim Muhammed at the 9th minute; Ahmed Abdullah at the 46th minute; Jude Sunday scored the 3rd goal in the 49th minute and also netted the 4th goal in the 90th minute.
Nigeria is the most successful Youth team in Africa having won the title a record 7 times in 1983; 1985; 1987; 1989;(four times consecutively) 2005; 2011 and 2015.
Two countries won 4 times each namely hosts Egypt in 1981; 1991; 2003 and 2013 while Ghana won in 1993; 1999;2009 and 2021.
Defending champions Senegal that won in 2023 leads the pack of nations that won only once. Others are Mali-2019; Zambia-2017; Congo-2007; Angola-2001; Cameroon-1995 and Algeria-1979.
Last five matches of Nigeria were a 2-3 loss to Senegal on 15th March 2024; Goalless draw with Burkina Faso on 18th October 2024; a 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast on 24th October 2024; another 3-1 victory over Niger Republic on 27th October 2024 and beating Ghana at their backyard 2-1 on 30th October 2024 all in the CAF qualifier.
Tunisia beat Algeria 3-0 in a friendly on 9th September 2024; beat Libya 2-1away on 14th November 2024; lost to Morocco on 17th November 2024 at home; clipped Algeria 2-1 on 23rd November 2024 and on 26th November 2024 lost to Egypt by a lone goal.
Nigeria will be playing Morocco next on Sunday at 7pm same day Tunisia will face Kenya and the last group match is scheduled for next Wednesday when Nigeria tackles Kenya at 4pm same time Tunisia will square up with Morocco.
Group A that has five teams saw Sierra Leone beat hosts Egypt 4-1 on Sunday; South Africa piped Tanzania by a lone goal; also in that Group; Zambia drew goalless with Sierra Leone and Egypt beat South Africa by a lone goal
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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