AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, defeating arch-rivals Ghana 4-2 in Group B clash to kick off their title defence in impressive fashion.
The seven-time African champions dominated large spells of the encounter, extending their recent superiority over the Black Satellites after also overcoming Ghana in the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship final in Lomé, Togo.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side wasted little time in asserting themselves, with Olayemi Ayinla opening the scoring in the sixth minute to give Nigeria an early advantage.
The Flying Eagles continued to press forward and were rewarded again in the 30th minute when Lucky Oraro doubled the lead, putting Nigeria firmly in control before halftime.
Forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke, who has been in fine goalscoring form, added his name to the scoresheet in the 40th minute to make it 3-0. The striker then completed his brace in stoppage time, calmly converting a penalty in the 90+3rd minute to seal a convincing 4-2 victory.
The result gives Nigeria a perfect start to their Group B campaign as they continue their quest to retain the regional title.
The Flying Eagles will now shift their focus to their second group fixture, where they face Togo on Wednesday, July 30, at the Konan Banny Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time.
