Nigeria’s 8th-title quest in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end in the semi-final through an early first-half goal from Adama Bojang to send Gambia through.
The Gambians were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute when Harona Njie was sent off after a second booking only five minutes apart.
Despite gaining control of the game with as many as 21 attempts at goal, the Flying Eagles could not find a way back after going behind in the 7th minute.
In a rather exciting but disappointing display, Ahmed Abdullahi failed to convert from the penalty spot just four minutes from time which seemed to have given the Gambians the belief that they could actually hold out for a win without conceding.
Nigeria will not leave the tournament empty-handed though, as they had secured automatic qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in the Philippines later this year.
