Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, clinched their second consecutive WAFU B U-20 Championship title with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ghana in a thrilling final in Lome.
Beyond Limits Academy forward Kparobo Arierhi stole the spotlight, scoring both of Nigeria’s goals in the first half and earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Both Nigeria and Ghana, as WAFU B finalists, have also secured their spots in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which South Africa will host.
Flying Eagles dominate first half, Arierhi shines
The Flying Eagles controlled much of the game, especially in the first half, where they displayed clinical finishing.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt made two crucial saves early on, first palming down a dangerous cross and later blocking a close-range header to keep Ghana at bay.
In the 34th minute, Arierhi made his mark.
He latched onto a pass at the edge of the box, finishing with a calm left-footed strike into the bottom corner, leaving the Ghanaian goalkeeper no chance.
Just before half-time, Arierhi doubled Nigeria’s lead with an impressive solo effort.
Nigeria pressed high, and after a swift exchange of passes, Arierhi found himself one-on-one with the keeper and expertly slotted home to give the Flying Eagles a comfortable lead heading into the break.
Ghana fights back, Nigeria holds firm
Ghana returned for the second half with renewed energy, putting Nigeria on the defensive for extended periods.
On the hour mark, the Black Satellites threatened with a close-range attempt that Nigeria’s defenders scrambled to clear.
Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute, as they finally pulled one back through a goalmouth scramble, bringing the score to 2-1 and setting up a tense final stretch.
Ghana pressed hard for an equalizer, but the Flying Eagles stayed resilient, fending off multiple attacks to secure the win and the championship title.
With this victory, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles not only retain the WAFU B U-20 title but also march into the AFCON U-20 tournament to be hosted by South Africa as regional champions.
