Nigeria’s Flying Eagles came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against hosts Ghana’s Black Satellites in their opening match of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship on Thursday at the Ghana Football Association’s Technical Centre in Prampram.
Ghana struck first in the 26th minute through captain Musbau Azeez, who slotted home following a well-worked move. The hosts continued to press and forced Nigeria into tough defensive work, with Flying Eagles skipper Daniel Bameyi picking up a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a crunching tackle.
Despite a late push in the first half by Nigeria, the Black Satellites held on to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half saw the Flying Eagles ramp up their intensity. They had a penalty appeal waved away in the 66th minute and came close through defender Odinaka Okoro, whose powerful 76th-minute free-kick whistled just over the crossbar.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 84th minute, when Mohammed Abdulahi powered home a header from a corner, ensuring Nigeria claimed a point in a tense and physical contest.
Nigeria will face Benin Republic’s Young Cheetahs in their second Group A match on Sunday, as they continue their bid to reach the semifinals and qualify for the 2025 U20 AFCON.
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