Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reached the semi-finals of the WAFU B U20 Tournament after a commanding 3-0 victory over Togo in Yamoussoukro, their second Group B success.
Key takeaways
- Muiz Adeleke scored twice to take his tournament tally to four goals.
- Nigeria followed up their 4-2 opening-round win against Ghana with another Group B victory.
- Abdoulaye Agbejoye completed the scoring after coming on as a substitute.
- The Flying Eagles will meet Burkina Faso on Sunday in the next stage.
Nigeria pull clear after tense first half
The Sparrow Hawks made an assertive start and presented Nigeria with a stubborn challenge before the interval. Although the Flying Eagles controlled the early exchanges, they were nearly punished in the 38th minute when Togo wasted a clear opening by firing off target.
The contest opened up late in the first half, with both teams mounting attacking spells. Neither side, however, could find the decisive touch, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0 after sharing possession.
Nigeria returned from the interval with greater purpose and moved in front just 60 seconds into the second half. Muiz Adeleke, who had scored twice in Monday’s win over Ghana’s Black Satellites, finished to give his side a 1-0 advantage.
Togo attempted to respond, but Nigeria’s back line remained composed and prevented the Sparrow Hawks from turning their pressure into a goal.
Adeleke strikes again before late sealing goal
The forward doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 59th minute after breaking quickly on the counter-attack. Adeleke went around the Togolese goalkeeper before calmly finding the net for his second goal of the match.
The Flying Eagles came close to adding another soon afterwards when a goalkeeping error presented an opportunity, but Nigeria could not capitalise on the mistake.
There was no denying them a third goal, though, as substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye replaced Adeleke in the 85th minute and scored almost immediately. Nigeria protected the 3-0 advantage through the closing stages to confirm their semi-final place.
The seven-time African champions now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with Burkina Faso, a fixture expected to provide another fierce test.
