By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated Ghana 4-2 on Monday in their opening Group B match of the ongoing WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Abdul Maikaba-led side took the lead in the sixth minute through Olayemi Ayinla, whose powerful strike beat the Ghanaian goalkeeper.
Ghana’s Black Satellites equalised in the 23rd minute when Mohamed Zaidan found the back of the net.
Defending champions Nigeria regained the advantage in the 30th minute after Lucky Oraro’s free-kick was diverted into the net.
The Flying Eagles extended their lead eight minutes later when Muiz Adeleke converted a penalty to give Nigeria a 3-1 advantage at half-time.
Maikaba made several changes after the break, but Ghana reduced the deficit in the 60th minute through Kelvin Nkrumah’s penalty.
The Black Satellites pressed for another goal, but Adeleke sealed Nigeria’s victory with his second penalty of the match in the 89th minute.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flying Eagles will face Togo’s Junior Sparrow Hawks on Thursday, July 30, at the Yamoussoukro Stadium. Kick-off is 3 p.m. Nigerian time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo