Nigeria's U-17 team started their West African Football Union (WAFU B) tournament on a disappointing note following a 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast.
The Fatai Amoo side went into the clash hoping to change Nigerian football's fortunes following a below-par performance from the Super Eagles and Flying Eagles last year.
However, they got off to a worse possible start as Ivory Coast dominated the clash all through to secure a deserved 1-0 victory.
The Elephants started on the front foot, and they almost took the lead in the 31st minute but were denied by Destiny Emuwahem in Nigeria's goal.
Nigeria's first real opportunity came in the 37th minute, but Joseph Arumala's low cross into Ivory Coast box could not find any of his teammates.
Both sides went into the half with the game goalless, but it was the Elephants that dominated proceedings following the restart.
And they finally got a reward for their dominance as Konaté Abdramane fired in the winner 14 minutes from time.
Nigeria's Golden Eaglets now face an uphill task to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition. Fatai Amoo's men will need to beat arch-rivals Ghana in their final group game to stand a chance of making it to the next stage.
