Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets defeated Ghana 4-2 in the opening match of this year’s WAFU B U17 Championship taking place in Cape Coast, Ghana.
The Golden Eaglets were the superior side throughout the encounter played at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium yesterday.
Emmanuel Michael scored the Golden Eaglets’ first goal in the 12th minute with a beautiful free-kick which the Ghanaian goalkeeper, Ahmed Amadu Dembaram, had no answer to.
Nigeria doubled the lead just a minute before halftime through forward Precious Tonye Williams, ensuring they went into recess on the ascendancy against the host nation in the coastal town.
Nigeria’s advantage was extended further in the 51st minute by Jubril Opeyemi Azeez, but the Starlets reduced the deficit seven minutes later when substitute Abdul Razak Salifu got the better of goalkeeper Richard Odoh.
The Eaglets would not relent and in the 77th minute, midfielder Ebube Wisdom Okere netted to make it 4-1 for Nigeria.
The five-time world champions momentary loss of concentration in the vital area led to Nigeria conceding a penalty two minutes to the end, which was put away and cut Nigeria’s advantage to two goals.
Ghana must defeat Togo on Friday 17th June in their last group game to advance to the next round.
With the victory, the Eaglets top Group A of the championship ahead of their clash with Togo on Tuesday. Victory over the Togolese will guarantee Nigeria a spot in the tournament semifinals.
Group B is made up of Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
