Title Holders Nigeria Defeat Ghana 4-2 To Launch WAFU B Campaign

Title Holders Nigeria Defeat Ghana 4-2 to Launch WAFU B Campaign

By Niyi Busari 

Defending champions Nigeria's Flying Eagles made an impressive start to their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defence with a commanding 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in their Group B opening match on Monday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 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 lift the regional title.

The Flying Eagles wasted little time in asserting their dominance as Olayemi Ayinla opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Oraro Lucky doubled Nigeria's advantage on the half-hour mark before Muiz Adeleke converted a penalty in the 40th minute to give the seven-time African champions a comfortable 3-1 lead at halftime.

Although Ghana mounted a spirited fight in the second half, Adeleke sealed Nigeria's victory with his second goal of the match from another penalty in the 89th minute, completing an entertaining 4-2 triumph.

Goal Scorers

- Olayemi Ayinla – 6'

- Oraro Lucky – 30'

- Muiz Adeleke – 40' (Penalty), 89' (Penalty)

The latest victory extends Nigeria's dominance in the regional competition and strengthens their bid to retain the WAFU B crown while securing qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's success in the tournament has been built on a strong 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 championship in Lomé with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the 2024 final.

Current Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba has made no secret of his ambitions, insisting before the tournament that his primary objective is not only to secure qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations but also to successfully defend the WAFU B title.

Nigeria will continue their Group B campaign against hosts Togo on July 30 before rounding off the group stage against Burkina Faso. Victories in the remaining fixtures would strengthen the Flying Eagles' chances of reaching the knockout stage and moving closer to another regional triumph.

Match Summary

WAFU B U-20 Championship – Group B

Full Time: Nigeria 4-2 Ghana

Half Time: Nigeria 3-1 Ghana