It is scoreless after 45 minutes in Lome, Togo, between the Flying Eagles of Nigeria and their Ivorian counterparts.
The Flying Eagles did well to contain the Elephants early in this encounter.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt did well to keep out a dangerous effort by the Ivorians after only seven minutes.
The Flying Eagles soon gained in confidence to try a few things in attack.
Bidemi Amole tried a hopeful shot from distance that missed target after 22 minutes, before striker Arierhi Kparobo saw his shot pushed for a corner by the Ivorian shot stopper in the 29th minute.
Amole was then unlucky not to put the Flying Eagles ahead in first half stoppage time as his shot crashed against the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
The Flying Eagles must go for broke in the second half as a draw will eliminate them from this U20 AFCON qualifying tournament.
Flying Eagles Starting XI (4-3-3) vs Burkina Faso: Ebenezer Harcourt – Kenneth Igboke, Adamu Maigari, Daniel Bameyi (Captain), Haruna Aliyu – Raphael Oyebanjo, Israel Ayuma, Nasiru Salihu – Bidemi Amole, Arierhi Kparobo, Clinton Jephta
