Defending champions Nigeria began their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defence emphatically with a 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in their Group B opener on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The highly anticipated clash was a repeat of the 2024 final in Lomé, Togo, where the Flying Eagles edged the Black Satellites 2-1 to retain the regional crown.
Nigeria made a blistering start, with Olayemi Ayinla breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute to give the Flying Eagles an early advantage. Oraro Lucky doubled the lead on the half-hour mark before Muiz Adeleke calmly converted a penalty in the 40th minute to hand the seven-time African champions a commanding 3-1 lead at the interval.
Ghana responded with renewed determination after the break, but Nigeria remained in control. Adeleke completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to seal an entertaining 4-2 victory and ensure the Flying Eagles opened their campaign with maximum points.
Goalscorers
- Olayemi Ayinla – 6'
- Oraro Lucky – 30'
- Muiz Adeleke – 40' (Penalty), 89' (Penalty)
The convincing victory strengthens Nigeria's bid to retain the WAFU B U-20 Championship title while boosting their hopes of qualifying for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles have established themselves as the dominant force in the competition in recent years. Isa Ladan Bosso guided Nigeria to the title in Niamey, Niger Republic, before Aliyu Zubairu led the team to another triumph in Lomé after defeating Ghana in the 2024 final.
Current head coach Abdu Maikaba has repeatedly stated that his objective is to successfully defend the regional title while securing qualification for the continental championship, and his side has taken the perfect first step toward achieving that goal.
Nigeria will continue their Group B campaign against Togo on July 30 before rounding off the group stage against Burkina Faso. Positive results in both fixtures would further strengthen the Flying Eagles' chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Match Summary
WAFU B U-20 Championship – Group B
Full Time: Nigeria 4-2 Ghana
Half Time: Nigeria 3-1 Ghana