A 19th-minute strike from Abdoul Razaq Zada set the tone, and Niger never looked back. The young West African side held firm against Nigeria's Golden Eaglets throughout the match, then killed the game off with a second goal from Abdoul Rakilou deep in the 86th minute to seal a 2-0 victory in the opening game of the WAFU B U-17 Qualifiers.
For the Golden Eaglets, a side with serious pedigree at youth level on the continent, this is a result that stings. Conceding late only adds to the frustration, as it signals that Niger had the composure and confidence to see out the win even when the pressure was on.
The qualifying campaign is still young, but Nigeria's boys will need to regroup quickly. How they respond in their next fixture will say everything about the character of this squad.
Originally published by Premium Times.