WAFU B U17: Golden Eaglets soar over Ghana’s Black Starlets in six-goal thriller

Five-time world champions and Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets kicked off their 2022 WAFU U-17 Zone B Tournament in flying start with a 4-2 win against perennial rivals Ghana’s Black Starlets Saturday.
The match played at the Cape Coast Stadium, saw Emmanuel Michael, Precious Williams, Jubril Azeez and Wisdom Ekere score a goal each for Nigeria.
The team, coached by 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship-winning captain Nduka Ugbade, were imperious as they dominated and eventually overpowered hosts Ghana.
Ghana threatened initially in the early stages of the first half but their efforts were punctured in the 12th minute through a powerful shot via a free kick by wingback Michael.
The hosts frantically sought penalties with theatrical falls around the penalty area three minutes after they conceded the goal but referee Daniel Kassa would not be conned.
However, Williams got the second goal for Nigeria with a minute left in the first half as he latched onto a rebound after Ghanaian goalkeeper spilled a fierce strike by Kevwe Iyede.
The vital goal ensured the Golden Eaglets went into recess on the ascendancy against the host nation in the coastal town.
Nigeria’s advantage was extended further in the 51st minute through Azeez with a scrambled effort as the Ghanaian keeper sprawled on the ground but was unable to keep the ball away from goal.
But the Starlets pulled a goal back seven minutes later when substitute Abdulrazak Salifu got the better of goalkeeper Richard Odoh.
The Eaglets would not relent and in the 77th minute, midfielder Okere netted to restore Nigeria’s three-goal lead with an assured finish.
A momentary loss of concentration in the vital area led to Nigeria conceding a penalty with two minutes to the end.
Captain of the Black Starlets, Collins Agyemang made no mistake as he cooly converted from the spot and cut Nigeria’s advantage to two goals.
With the victory, the Eaglets top Group A of the championship ahead of their clash with Togo on Tuesday.
Victory over the Togolese will guarantee Nigeria a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Group B is made up of Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
Ghana TikToker jailed after claiming President Mahama sacrificed 32 cows to win election
Mr Mahama made a comeback in 2024 after losing reelection in 2016.

Education
Taraba college of education to commence degree programmes
The provost assured parents of uninterrupted academic activities.

Heading 3
Nutrition 774: Shettima urges LG chairmen to tackle malnutrition
He described local government chairmen as the closest tier of government to the people.

NationWide
CDD tasks Nigerian leaders on community development
Ugwe Benedict, one of the school administrators, said the project would bring relief to the school.

NationWide
Nigeria, Benin bust smugglers in first intelligence-led border operation
According to the organisation, the operation followed a rigorous training programme.

NationWide
Investing in children strengthens Nigeria’s future: UNICEF
Ms Russell noted that Nigeria’s public health challenges could be overcome through strong leadership.





