Defending champions Nigeria’s Flying Eagles made a winning start to their WAFU B U-20 Championship title defence with an entertaining 4-2 victory over rivals Ghana’s Black Satellites on Monday.
Abdu Maikaba’s side came flying out of the blocks, and deservedly took the lead in the sixth minute through Olayemi Ayinla.
Ghana responded positively after the early setback, and restored parity in the 23rd minute, with Mohammed Zaidan finishing clinically to make it 1-1.
The Flying Eagles regained control as Oraro Isaac restored Nigeria’s advantage on the half hour mark.
Read Also:WAFU B U-20 Championship: Flying Eagles Secure Friendly Win
Muiz Adeleke then extended the lead five minutes later, giving the holders a comfortable cushion heading into the break.
The Black Satellites refused to give up ,and pulled one back when Kelvin Nkrumah converted from the penalty spot early in the second half.
However, Adeleke sealed the victory for Nigeria with his second goal of the game, calmly converting a late penalty to wrap up an impressive 4-2 win.
The result gives the Flying Eagles a perfect start to their campaign as they continue their quest for a third consecutive WAFU B U-20 Championship title.
They will face the Sparrow Hawks of Togo in their next game on Thursday.
By Adeboye Amosu
4 Comments
Congratulations to the Nigerian under 20 team for a flying start against bitter rivals,Satellites of Ghana.
The current Nigerian under 20 team has shown despite a short period the gaffer had to put the team together.
Maikaba did an incredible job.I am sure the team would have faired better had the NFF started preparation early enough.
Despite the victory against arch rivals Ghana yesterday,you could see there are grey areas in the team that needs working on.Even after a win,a team often needs to fix weak spots,especially finishing chances.The team takes many shots but misses the target too often.
A winning score can hide poor teamwork.tactical flaws,but with time a good coach will address these vulnerabilities to maintain long-term form. players need time to learn a new system or coachy’s style.
I believe the team will get better with more games.It’s also very important to win our group,because runners-up often face other strong group winners in competition or top-tier opponents right away.Ivory Coast which started it’s campaign by putting 5 goals past it’s hapless opponent are the likeliest opponent should we come short of winning our group.You don’t want to play against a traditional strong side in Africa who equally serves as the host.
It makes sense to avoid them by winning our group.
The Nigerian “boys” looked more like daddys than young and upcoming footballers. U-20? I doubt it.
Congratulations anyway. I don’t want anyone to say I am bitter. But CAF has to take a closer look at age cheats for the game to be fair.
I don’t blame you it’s because Ghanaians can be 40years yet look shorter than 16years old. Blame your poor diet and food. Gone are the days of NPP when match officials are bribed against Nigeria.
They are young boys some of dem have been with our youth setups b4 graduation to u20
No daddy’s at all
Our boys are good and the strength was super good they just keep to their own tempo even when they conceded, they just continue with thesame rhythm and added 2 goals
Bravo ….