Nigeria’s U-17 national team have lost out on a place in the final of the Africa U-17 Championship in Niger Republic following a 1-0 loss to South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday.
The Golden Eaglets had reached the last four of the competition after finishing top of Group A unbeaten, ahead of Guinea.
However, a low strike from Khanyisa Eric Mayo midway through the first half was enough to hand South Africa’s Amajimbos the win over Nigeria in Niamey.
Victor Osimeh and Christian Charles were denied by the South African woodwork while in search of a goal back but it was South Africa that held on to book a first ever final appearance at the Championship.
Despite the result, reigning world champions Nigeria will be one of four representatives for Africa at the FIFA U-17 World Championship holding later this year in Chile.
South Africa meanwhile now await the winner of the second semi-final holding on Thursday between West African rivals Mali and Guinea.