Nigeria’s Falconets Make Strong Debut in WAFU B U-20 Girls’ Cup
Nigeria’s Falconets made a powerful statement in their opening match of the WAFU B U-20 Girls’ Cup, defeating arch-rivals Ghana 3-1 at the Omnisport Stadium in Adjouhoun, Benin Republic. The match took place on Saturday, with the Nigerian team showcasing their dominance from the outset.
Janet Akekoromowei was the standout performer of the game, scoring two goals in the first half that gave Nigeria a commanding lead. Her first goal came in the 37th minute, when she calmly converted a penalty to open the scoring. Just before halftime, she added a second goal in stoppage time with a clinical finish, putting the Falconets ahead 2-0.
Ghana tried to respond in the second half, and they managed to reduce the deficit in the 49th minute through a goal by Sarah Nyarko. This sparked some hope for the Black Princesses, but Nigeria remained focused and resilient.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Favour Chiamaka delivered the final blow, scoring a stunning goal from a corner kick. This sealed a 3-1 victory for the Falconets, who now sit at the top of the tournament standings.
The win is crucial for Nigeria as they aim to secure the title. Each goal in this mini-tournament could be decisive, and the Falconets are well-positioned to claim the championship if they continue their strong performance.
On Sunday, Nigeria will face the hosts, Benin Republic’s Young Amazons, at 10:00am. A victory in that match could all but guarantee them the title. This game will be a key test for the team as they look to maintain their momentum.
This victory also serves as sweet revenge for the Falconets, who were denied the title by Ghana in the 2023 final after a 1-1 draw. The current tournament has been affected by the withdrawals of Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, leaving only three teams competing in a round-robin format.
Nigeria will face Ghana again on Tuesday before concluding the competition on Wednesday, November 12. The team is clearly focused on making the most of this opportunity and proving their strength on the field.