Defending champions Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship title in style with a convincing 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in their Group B opener on Monday.
The highly anticipated encounter was a repeat of the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship final, where Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo, to claim the regional crown.
The Flying Eagles made a flying start as Olayemi Ayinla opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Oraro Lucky doubled Nigeria’s lead on the half-hour mark before Muiz Adeleke converted a penalty in the 40th minute to hand the seven-time African champions a commanding 3-1 advantage at the break.
Ghana responded with renewed determination after halftime, but Nigeria remained in control. Adeleke completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to seal an entertaining 4-2 victory for the Flying Eagles.
The result reinforces Nigeria’s dominance in the WAFU B competition and boosts their quest to retain the title while also securing qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s success in the tournament is built on a rich tradition. Former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso guided the team to the WAFU B title in Niamey, Niger Republic, before Aliyu Zubairu led the side to another triumph in Lomé, defeating Ghana 2-1 in the 2024 final.
Head coach Abdu Maikaba had made his intentions clear ahead of the tournament, stating that his objectives were to successfully defend the WAFU B title and secure qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles will resume their Group B campaign against hosts Togo on July 30 before concluding the group stage against Burkina Faso. Positive results in both matches would strengthen Nigeria’s chances of reaching the knockout stage and moving a step closer to another regional title.
