Nigeria’s U-20 side, the Flying Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Mauritania in the first leg of their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations second round qualifying tie on Saturday.
Niger Tornadoes star Ibrahim Babawo opened scoring for Paul Aigbogun’s men in the 25th minute of the encounter but the hosts equalised four minutes later.
The Flying Eagles wasted several chances in the second half but now have the advantage after grabbing an away goal in the clash.
Mauritania are the giant killers of the qualifying tournament after they eliminated both Morocco and Guinea.
Nigeria beat Seychelles 3-2 on aggregate in the first round.
The return leg will be played at the Agege Lagos next week Saturday with the overall winners advancing to the tournament proper in Niger next year.