Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced a scintillating second-half display to come from behind and demolish Benin Republic 4-1 in their second Group B match at the ongoing WAFU-B U-20 Boys Cup.
After falling behind early, Aliyu Zubairu side responded in style with goals from Mohammed Abdullahi, Ezekiel Kpangu, Imrana Mohammed, and Abdullahi Majdid sealing a dominant victory in Abidjan.
Benin Republic had stunned the seven-time African champions with an early goal, but Nigeria levelled matters in the 39th minute through striker Mohammed Abdullahi, who calmly finished a clever assist from Divine Oliseh.
It was Abdullahi’s second goal in as many games.
Nigeria turned the game around just before half-time when Ezekiel Kpangu latched onto a well-worked pass to fire past the Cheetahs’ goalkeeper and make it 2-1.
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In the second half, Imrana Mohammed increased the lead with a composed finish after beating the Beninese defence, before turning provider with a square pass that allowed Abdullahi Majdid to rifle in a brilliant strike from outside the box to wrap up the scoring.
Flying Eagles Starting XI against Benin Republic at U20 WAFU B in Ghana. Photo Credit: X
The Flying Eagles’ attacking fluidity and defensive solidity in the second half left little room for a Benin Republic comeback.
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Sporting Lagos and Flying Eagles left-back Odinaka Okoro was named Man of the Match for a commanding performance on both ends of the pitch.
With this victory, Nigeria tops Group B with 4 points and advances to the semifinals of the regional competition.
