Golden Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali admitted that Zambia made things difficult for his side in their opening game at the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
Favour Daniel’s 74th minute strike separated both teams in the encounter played at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine.
The Eaglets dominated play in the encounter but the Young Chipolopolo also carved out chances of their own.
Ian Bakala’s side also came close to snatching a point late on but failed to utilise the chance.
Lawali, who was named Man of the Match after the game, reckoned the Zambians were a tough nut to crack for the Golden Eaglets.
“It was a really tough game because Zambia is a good side. The little details gave us a win today. We scored when it mattered most and we defended well. It has given us motivation for the next game,” Lawali told a press conference after the game.
The Nigerian boys will face Group B leaders Morocco in their next game in Constantine on Wednesday.
The Moroccans defeated South Africa 2-0 in their first game on Sunday night.