Nigeria qualify for U-20 AFCON, battle Ghana in WAFU B final
Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are through to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating Niger Republic 3-1 in Lome, Togo on Sunday. The win ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON in South Africa, while they will battle arch rivals Ghana in the final of the WAFU B U-20 championship on Wednesday.
The Flying Eagles had to come back from a goal deficit to secure victory against their hard fighting opponent from Niger Republic.
The Junior Mena of Niger went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but Nigeria were unruffled.
Instead, the Nigeria lads found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three stunning goals that took them to the Final.
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Clinton Jephta finished with a plomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage.
The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through substitute Olalekan Alonge.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria who are defending champions will now clash with bitter rivals the Black Satellites of Ghana in the final of the championship on Wednesday in Lome, Togo. (NAN)
