By David Kabiyesi
Nigeria’s quest to return to Olympic football went up in flames in faraway Marrakesh on Tuesday evening as the U-23 national team lost 2-0 to Guinea.
Nigeria played itself into a tight corner with a goalless draw in the first leg played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, raising doubts about the team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
The first half ended goalless with both teams aiming to break the deadlock. But it was Guinea who showed more hunger after Agasime Bah drew the first blood in the 61st minutes.
Alseny Soumah confirmed Guinea’s passage to the African U-23 Championship when he doubled Guinea’s lead in the 76th minutes against a hurriedly assembled Nigerian side.
Nigeria last featured at the 2016 Olympics in In Rio, Brazil where the John Obi Mikel side won Bronze.
