Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw by Guinea in their 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations final round, first leg qualifying tie in Abuja on Wednesday.
Salisu Yusuf’s charges put up a below-par showing in the encounter played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
The Guineans asserted their authority on the game in the opening minutes even though they were unable to carve out any clear cut scoring opportunities.
The Olympic Eagles later grew into the game but were unable to break down the resolute Guinean defence.
The Nigerian boys upped their performance in the second half, with the Guineans contended with sitting deep.
The visitors resorted to time wasting in the closing stages of the game with the home fans expressing their anger.
Both teams will clash in the reverse fixture in Morocco next Wednesday.
The overall winners will secure a place at the 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations which will be hosted by Morocco later in the year.
