[WATCH]: Enyimba wonderkid bends it like Beckham for Flying Eagles in the ill-fated clash vs Senegal

Nigeria's hopes of U20 glory at the 2024 African Games in Ghana came crashing down after a heartbreaking defeat to Senegal in a five-goal thriller.

Despite a David Beckham-esque free kick strike from Enyimba teenage star Chibueze Izuogu, the Flying Eagles were ultimately eliminated from the competition following a 3-2 loss.

While Nigeria was dumped out, the performance of 18-year-old Izuogu was one major bright spark.

The precocious talent further enhanced his growing reputation by rifling home an unstoppable free-kick to briefly make it 2-2 in the 50th minute.

It continues an impressive run of scoring outrageous goals from distance for the young forward, who also netted a long-range piledriver for club side Enyimba in their 2-1 NPFL win over Shooting Stars recently.

Nigeria had taken a dream start through Charles Agada's opener after just 60 seconds. However, Idrissa Gueye's quick-fire double turned the game on its head as Senegal led 2-1 at the break.

Izuogu's thunderbolt looked to have rescued a point for Ladan Bosso's side, only for Famara Camara's 65th-minute penalty to seal a 3-2 win for the Young Lions.

The defeat condemned Nigeria to an early exit, while Senegal joined Group B winners Uganda in qualifying for the semi-finals.

Despite Izuogu's heroics, it was a bitterly disappointing end to Nigeria's campaign in Ghana.

But the Enyimba youngster's eye-catching showings demonstrated his potential as one to watch for the future.