Flying Eagles send fear into Afcon foes after smashing six past Morocco’s Kawkab Athletics Club U23

The three-time African champions dominated their opponents to head into the tournament proper with winds in their sails

Nigeria’s U-20 national team defeated Kawkab Athletics Club U23 of Marrakesh 6-1 on Wednesday evening to wrap up their training camp in Morocco on a hugely positive note.

The Flying Eagles were scheduled to face the Central African Republic U-20 side in their final friendly match before heading out for the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

But the youth wing of Kawkab Athletic was drafted in as a late replacement after the CAR pulled out of the warmup game on Tuesday night.

The Flying Eagles, however, showed their opponents no mercy in the match played inside the Complexe Sportif, Sidi Mohammed, Ain Sebaa, Casablanca.

The former African champions took the lead as early as the first minute through Mohammed Aminu.

Further goals from Ibrahim Mohammed and midfielder Samson Lawal within the opening half-hour established the Nigerian boys’ superiority.

Kawkab Athletic reduced the deficit moments before the break.

But Flying Eagles scored three more goals after the interval through Emmanuel Uchegbu, Augustine Njoku, and Jonathan Nicholas to send a strong message of intent to other participating teams at the U-20 Afcon.

Nigeria have not won the U20 championship since 2015.

The Flying Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth continental honour with their opening Group A match against the Junior Teranga Lions of Senegal on Sunday at the Cairo International Stadium.