Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, capped off a flawless campaign at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup with a 1–0 victory over hosts Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Omnisport Stadium in Adjohoun.
A 16th-minute strike from Ramotalahi Kareem proved decisive as coach Moses Aduku’s side lifted the regional crown after an unbeaten run, winning all four games and conceding just once throughout the tournament.
Kareem Strikes Again as Falconets Fly High
Nigeria started brightly, controlling possession and dictating the tempo from kickoff. Their early dominance paid off when Kareem latched onto a long through ball, shrugged off her marker, and calmly slotted past the Benin goalkeeper for her fourth goal of the tournament, finishing as the competition’s top scorer.
The Falconets could have added more, but a mix of wayward finishing and resolute defending from the hosts kept the scoreline narrow. Benin pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Nigeria’s defense stood firm, with captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem marshalling the backline superbly to preserve the lead.
Midfielder Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere earned the Woman of the Match award for her tireless display in midfield, orchestrating play and breaking up Benin’s rhythm effectively.
Elsewhere, Ghanaian playmaker Sarah Nyarko was named Best Player of the Tournament after contributing three goals and an assist.
Falconets Outclass Ghana Before Sealing Trophy
Earlier in the week, the Falconets had effectively secured the title with a dominant 3–0 victory over Ghana’s Princesses, a result that put them on nine points and beyond reach before the final match.
Janet Akekoromowei opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Alaba Olabiyi doubled the advantage seven minutes later. Kareem then added a third to complete the rout,sealing Nigeria’s perfect start and commanding an +8 goal difference.
Although the final against Benin was largely ceremonial, the Falconets approached it with professionalism and composure, wrapping up the competition in style.
With this triumph, Nigeria reaffirmed their dominance as West Africa’s undisputed U20 powerhouse, and attention now turns to preparations for the CAF and FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers later in the year.
