Wonder Strike By Bernard Bulbwa Gives Nigeria AYC Trophy

The Flying Eagles have lifted the 2015 African Youth Championship after defeating hosts Senegal 1 - 0 in the final decided on Sunday night at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar .

Nigeria were crowned African champions at Under 20 level for the seventh time in their history thanks to a moment of pure magic from Shuttle Sports Academy, Lagos midfielder Bernard Bulbwa, who scored a wonder goal in the 19th minute.

The 18 - year - old showed his eye for goal and great individual skill and control and volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Ibrahima Sy from long range.

In the final ten minutes of the first half, Senegal searched desperately for an equalizer but were frustrated by the Nigerian defense.

On 40 minutes, the ball was cleared off danger man, Sidy Sarr’s feet by Bello Zaharadeen for a corner kick.

And from the resultant corner, Senegal had a golden opportunity to level the scoreline, only for defender Mouhameth Sane to rattle the woodwork with a header after Joshua Enaholo was clearly beaten.

In the second half, Senegal could not find the equalizer and would have been two goals down with three minutes of normal time remaining, but Ifeanyi Mathew’s  brilliant effort was saved by Sy.

Musa Mohammed ended the tournament as the top scorer with four goals, followed by Taiwo Awoniyi, who notched three goals.

The reward for the Flying Eagles winning the AYC is being drawn in Group E of the Fifa Under 20 World Cup alongside Brazil, North Korea and Hungary.

Photo Credit : thenff.com