Defending champions the Flying Eagles of Nigeria made the perfect start to their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defence with an impressive 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana in a pulsating Group B clash at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium on Monday.
The Flying Eagles, led by head coach Abdu Maikaba in his first competitive match in charge, produced a commanding display to secure all three points and strengthen their bid for a third consecutive regional title.
Forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke emerged as the hero of the contest, scoring twice from the penalty spot, including a late strike that sealed Nigeria’s victory after Ghana threatened a second-half comeback.
Flying Eagles Dominate First Half
Nigeria made a dream start when right-back Olayemi Ayinla fired home a powerful effort in the sixth minute to put the defending champions ahead.
Ghana responded in the 23rd minute through Mohamed Zaidan, but the Flying Eagles quickly restored their advantage. Lucky Oraro’s dangerous free-kick took a decisive deflection before finding the back of the net on the half-hour mark.
The Nigerians extended their lead eight minutes before half-time when Adeleke calmly converted from the penalty spot, giving Maikaba’s side a deserved 3-1 advantage heading into the interval.
Adeleke Seals Victory
The Black Satellites refused to surrender and reduced the deficit shortly after the restart when captain Kelvin Nkrumah converted a penalty to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finish.
However, Nigeria maintained their composure and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Their persistence was rewarded in the 89th minute when Adeleke stepped up once again to convert his second penalty of the match, putting the result beyond doubt and securing a memorable 4-2 victory.
Maikaba Pleased Despite Missed Chances
Although delighted with the result, coach Maikaba believes his team could have won by an even greater margin after creating several clear-cut opportunities.
We left more goals out there,” the Flying Eagles boss said after the match, acknowledging his side’s attacking dominance while calling for greater efficiency in front of goal.
Flying Eagles Continue Ghana Dominance
The victory extends Nigeria’s impressive recent record against Ghana at the U-20 level, with the Flying Eagles now recording three consecutive wins over the Black Satellites in WAFU B competition.
As champions in 2022 and 2024, Nigeria have once again underlined their status as favourites to retain the regional crown while also pursuing qualification for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Eyes on Qualification
The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to their remaining Group B fixtures as they continue their quest for another WAFU B title.
Nigeria will face Togo on July 30 before rounding off the group stage against Burkina Faso on August 2, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm Nigeria time in Yamoussoukro.
After an emphatic opening-day victory over their fiercest rivals, confidence will be high within the Nigerian camp as the Flying Eagles look to continue their march towards regional glory.
