The Nigeria U20 team led by Ladan Bosso yesterday qualified for the semi final of the ongoing WAFU B Championship taking place in Niger Republic after a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso.
It means they are now on four points after winning their opening group game 2-0 against Ghana. Burkina Faso will take on Ghana for the second available semi final spot from the group.
Nigeria twice led yesterday with Ibrahim Muhammed handing them the lead aided by poor goalkepping for his second goal of the tournament. Their lead was cancelled from the spot in the second half.
Two minutes later, the Nigerians went ahead again with Ibrahim Yahaya sending the goalkepper the wrong way from the spot following a foul on Ibrahim Muhammed, which eventually led to his substitution.
He collided with the Burkina Faso goalkepper and required lengthy treatment on the pitch before he was taken out of the stadium in an ambulance. He was however discharged later as he suffered no serious injury.
Shortly after the incident, a momentary loss of concentration by the Nigerian defence allowed the Burkina Faso side to once again claw their way back into the team to a earn a 2-2 draw.
Despite twice throwing away their lead in the game. One name stood out for Nigeria in the middle of the park in Daniel Daga. He was subsequently handed the man of the match award.
Strong in tackles, neat in possession and on point with his passes, the 15 year old who was originally billed to join the U17 team hasn’t looked out of place. He has held his own for the second game running.
Daga is seen as the most important player in the Nigerian team at the tournament with his ability to act as the link between the defence and attack helping the team to dominate games.
