Nigeria’s Under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, kicked off their WAFU B U20 Championship campaign with a statement victory on Monday, overpowering Ghana’s Black Satellites 4-2 in a thrilling match that swung repeatedly and kept supporters fully engaged from the opening whistle to the final moments.
Match timeline
- Nigeria made an electric start in the 6th minute when Olayemi Ayinla fired home a blistering effort that left Ghana’s goalkeeper with no chance.
- Ghana quickly responded, equalising in the 23rd minute through Mohammed Zaidan to make it 1-1.
- The Flying Eagles regained the lead in the 30th minute as Lucky Oraro’s free-kick took a wicked deflection, ending up beyond the goalkeeper for 2-1.
- Before the break, Nigeria were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute and Muiz Adeleke converted calmly to extend the advantage to 3-1.
- At the start of the second half, head coach Abdu Maikaba adjusted the lineup, introducing Adamu Hussaini for Imrana Muhammad as Nigeria looked to control the contest.
- Ghana reduced the deficit in the 60th minute when they were given a penalty, with Kelvin Nkrumah converting to bring the score to 3-2.
- Despite a period of sustained pressure from the Black Satellites, Nigeria held firm and gradually steadied the rhythm of the game.
- In the 84th minute, Muiz Adeleke missed a clear one-on-one opportunity that could have effectively sealed the win.
- However, any lingering tension was erased in stoppage time: with 89 minutes played, Adeleke made amends by scoring from the spot again after Nigeria were awarded a penalty, completing a 4-2 finish.
