Defending champions Nigeria made the ideal start to their quest for a third consecutive WAFU B U-20 Championship title after defeating arch-rivals Ghana 4-2 in a thrilling Group B opener on Monday.
In a repeat of last year’s final, the Flying Eagles produced an impressive attacking display at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro to hand new head coach Abdu Maikaba a winning start to his reign.
The result also maintained Nigeria’s recent dominance over the Black Satellites, having defeated the Ghanaians 2-1 to lift the regional title in 2024.
The Flying Eagles needed just six minutes to stamp their authority on the contest when Olayemi Ayinla fired Nigeria into an early lead after a bright opening spell.
Ghana gradually settled into the game and restored parity in the 23rd minute through Mohammed Zaidan, whose composed finish rewarded the Black Satellites’ response after a difficult opening.
Nigeria, however, quickly regained control. Lucky Oraro restored the Flying Eagles’ advantage on the half-hour mark before Abdulmuiz Adeleke extended the lead before half-time, giving the defending champions a commanding 3-1 advantage at the interval.
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Ghana refused to surrender after the restart and reduced the deficit when Kelvin Nkrumah converted from the penalty spot in the 60th minute to set up a tense finale.
The Black Satellites enjoyed their best spell of the match as they searched for an equalizer, but Nigeria weathered the pressure before regaining control in the closing stages.
Adeleke, who had earlier missed a one-on-one opportunity, put the result beyond doubt in the 89th minute by calmly converting another penalty to complete his brace and seal an entertaining 4-2 victory.
The win gives Nigeria maximum points and an early lead in Group B as the Flying Eagles continue their bid to retain the regional crown they won in 2022 and successfully defended in 2024.
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Attention now turns to Thursday’s second group fixture against Togo, where Maikaba’s side will look to take another significant step towards the semi-finals and keep their title defence firmly on course.
