Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have failed to maintain their winning spirit after they were defeated by the Atlas Cubs of Morocco in the top-of-the-table clash of group B.

Abdel Hamid Maali’s first half deflected strike was all Morocco needed as they marched into the quarter finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria tied the Moroccans into their own half, but the North Africans stuck to their tactical defensive shape, adding numbers at the edge of the box to block any efforts as the West African team pushed for goals.

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Abubakar Abdullahi was presented with a glorious chance when his run into the box was picked out by Emmanuel Michael’s cross, but his touch was not brilliant enough to give the Nigerians a chance to come back into the game.

Recall that both teams won their respective opening group games at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.

Eaglets managed to secure a lone-goal victory over Zambia at the weekend, while the Morocans recorded a comfortable 2-0 win against South Africa.

Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the quarter finals will be decided on Saturday, May 6, 2023, when the Eaglets host South Africa in the last match in group B.

Meanwhile, Senegal has qualified for the knockout stage of the U-17 AFCON.

The West African sides will now look to affirm their place on top of Group A when they face Somalia in their final match of the group in Constantine.