Flying Eagles defender Odinaka Okoro has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s semi-final loss to South Africa but insists the team is determined to bounce back and end their U-20 AFCON 2025 campaign on a high.
Speaking after the 1-0 defeat to the Amajita, Okoro admitted that the team’s wastefulness in front of goal cost them a place in the final.
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“It’s painful because we shouldn’t have lost that game,” Okoro said. “We had the chances, especially in the first half. If we had taken them, it would have been a different story.”
Despite the setback, the defender remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances in the third-place match against hosts Egypt on Sunday.
“The tournament is not over,” he added. “We still have something to fight for. We’ll give everything to make sure we finish strong and bring home the bronze.”
The Flying Eagles, who have already secured a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, will be looking to restore pride and end their campaign with a podium finish.
