Coach John Obuh led Flying Eagles made amends for missing out on defending their title by beating Mali 2-1 to claim bronze medal of the 2013 Orange CAF U-20 Championship going on Algeria.
Flying Eagles and Mali have already book tick to this year FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey after reaching the semifinal of the AYC.
A brace from striker Aminu Umar ensured John Obuh and his will return home with a consolation prize of third spot of the biannual championship. Mali scored a late goal on 87th minute through Tiekoro Keita to make it an interesting end.
It was an Adama Niane goal that won it for Mali the last time these two meet and the same striker had the first meaningful chance of the game with a header from a corner kick. The Nigerian defenders manage to scrabble if off the goal line.
In the 72nd minute an intelligent cut back from a free kick picked up Ajagun on the edge of box, while everyone was expecting a cross.
Ajagun’s well taken shot was blocked on goal line but Aminu Umar reacted quickest to stab home the opening goal of the match.
Boasted by the goal Nigeria were in ascendancy and on 82nd minute Umar scored his and Nigeria’s second from the penalty spot.
It Umar who was fouled by Boubacar Diarra as he jumped for a high ball in the box. The striker picked himself up and sent Yirango the wrong way but Mali refused to lie down and mounted a late charge.