U-20 AFCON: Aigbogun Urges Flying Eagles to Finish Strong in Third-Place Clash

Flying Eagles coach Paul Aigbogun has urged his players to put their semi-final disappointment behind them and focus on finishing the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note.

Nigeria’s hopes of winning the tournament ended on Wednesday after they lost to Mali on penalties in the semi-final.

Aigbogun described the defeat as unfortunate, saying his players had fought hard throughout the contest.

“It was a very difficult match against Mali and we fought as we should, but unfortunately for us Mali won,” he said.

The coach said attention had now shifted to Saturday’s third-place match against South Africa.

“We must now focus on the game at hand. I’m proud of the boys and what they have achieved,” Aigbogun added.

The Flying Eagles will be hoping to recover from the disappointment of missing out on the final by securing victory over South Africa and ending their campaign with a medal.

Meanwhile, Mali will face Senegal in Sunday’s final.

Senegal coach Youssouph Dabo said he expected a difficult encounter despite his side having already defeated Mali earlier in the competition.

“Facing Mali will be a different match because it is a final,” Dabo said. “We had beaten them in the first game, but I said after that game that they could go far, so I am not surprised to see them in the final.”