Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, began their WAFU-B U-20 Girls Cup campaign on a bright note on Saturday in Benin, defeating Ghana’s Black Princesses 3–1.
Head coach Moses Aduku named a strong starting XI, with Taiwo Afolabi returning to the squad after featuring for the Super Falcons in recent World Cup qualifiers.
Janet Akekoromowei and Precious Oscar also earned starting roles, while captain Joy Igbokwe led the team from midfield.
The opening half lived up to the billing of a fierce West African derby, with both sides battling for control in the middle of the park.
Nigeria, however, broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after a Ghanaian defender handled the ball inside the area.
Akekoromowei made no mistake from the spot, sending goalkeeper Grace Andoh the wrong way to hand the Falconets a deserved lead.
On resumption of the second half, Akekoromowei struck again in the 46th minute, showing great composure to lift a clever lob over Andoh after pouncing on a loose ball in the Ghanaian box.
Ghana halved the deficit just four minutes later through Sarah Nyarko, who finished from close range to restore hope for the Black Princesses at 2–1.
The Ghanaians pressed for an equaliser, but Nigeria’s backline remained resolute, frustrating their opponents with disciplined defending.
The Falconets sealed the win two minutes from time when Favour Chiamaka’s in-swinging corner sailed over Andoh and into the net, restoring Nigeria’s two-goal advantage.
With the 3–1 victory, Nigeria top Group A and will next face hosts Benin Republic on Sunday before meeting Ghana again on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
The 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Girls Cup, which kicked off on Friday, will end on Wednesday, with just three participating nations — Nigeria, Ghana, and hosts Benin Republic.
The WAFU-B U-20 Girls Cup serves as a crucial developmental platform for identifying new talents and preparing national squads for upcoming CAF and FIFA youth competitions.
(NAN)
READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE
The adjustment comes amid ongoing calls from players for higher earnings at Grand Slam events...
In this report, TAOFEEK LAWAL writes on the appalling state of the MKO Abiola National…
Sporting Lagos finished top of the group with 36 points, three points above second-placed Akwa…
"The project is guided by a long-term vision and a strategic plan that combines ambition,…
Their rapid progression has now earned them places on one of the country’s biggest athletics…
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and…
This website uses cookies.