Despite being named the Man of the Match for the second consecutive game, Nigeria fullback, Yahaya Lawali is unhappy with outcome of the game against Morocco.

Lawali had an excellent outing against Morocco, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the Eaglets from losing 1-0 in their second Group B match of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

And the #NGAMAR TotalEnergies Man of the Match is Yahaya Lawali!

Congratulations! 🏅🤩#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | @Football2gether pic.twitter.com/2amHi3EHVd

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 3, 2023

“I have mixed feelings being named man of the match. It is a good thing for me but as a team we are sad that we lost the match today (Wednesday). It was a critical game for us and it is heartbreaking to lose,” the defender stated.

He added; “I dedicate this award to my teammates and urge them that it is not the end. Some days are like this, you do everything but can’t win.”

The Eaglets dominated play and created many scoring opportunities, but were let down by their finishing.

“We are heartbroken that we couldn’t take our chances, but we are sure to do better in our next match. We will work to ensure we are better and more efficient with scoring,” said Lawali.

The defeat was disappointing, but the implications aren’t particularly dire as it means Nigeria need just a point against South Africa on Saturday to gain automatic qualification to the quarter finals.

Nigeria will face South Africa in their final group match on Saturday.