In the final of the WAFU Zone B competition, Nigeria’s national Under-20 squad, the Flying Eagles, defeated regional rivals Benin Republic 3-1.
The Nigerians, who did not lose a single game during the competition, demonstrated their attacking power, with Remo Stars’ Tolulope Ojo, being the key component in the sweet triumph in Niger.
In the 38th minute, a Beninoise defender handled the ball in the box in an attempt to stop a Nigerian attack, and Ojo scored the following penalty to put Nigeria ahead. Ojo’s long-range shot in the 70th minute gave the Flying Eagles a 2-0 lead and the Remo Stars’ player his second of the final. In the 77th minute, Ibrahim Muhammad made it three.
However, Benin scored in the 84th minute to cut the deficit but it was too late to mount any sort of comeback. Therefore, Ladan Bosso, in his third spell as coach of the Flying Eagles, had a chance to qualify for the World Youth Championship in Indonesia.
To do that, they must be one of the top four teams in the African U-20 Championship, which will be held in Egypt next year.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
