Nigeria's Olympic Eagles crash out of U23 AFCON with loss to Guinea

Nigeria's Olympic Eagles suffered a disappointing loss to Guinea U23 at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan de Rabat on Tuesday evening, meaning they will not be participating in the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco in June.

The 2015 AFCON U23 champions had already drawn a blank in the first leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja last Wednesday, leaving them needing a positive result in the return leg to secure a spot at the fourth edition of the continental championship. 

Playing on neutral ground in Morocco, the odds were stacked against the Salisu Yusuf-led side, and things quickly took a turn for the worse when Algassime Bah broke the deadlock for Guinea in the 62nd minute with a fine strike.

Nigeria's hopes of making a comeback were dealt a final blow 12 minutes later when Alseny Soumah scored Guinea's second goal, leaving the Olympic Eagles with a mountain to climb.

Despite their best efforts, Nigeria's Olympic Eagles could not conjure up a comeback, and their defeat means they will not be participating in the 2023 CAF U23 AFCON, which serves as the qualifiers for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.

It was a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised so much for Nigeria, who had been hoping to build on their 2015 triumph in the U23 AFCON.

With their dreams of a place at the Paris Olympics also dashed, the Olympic Eagles will be left to rue their missed opportunity in Rabat.