Nigeria outgun Ghana in six-goal U20 Wafu B opener to launch title defence

Nigeria began their U20 Wafu B title defence in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 victory over Ghana in a high-scoring West African derby in Yamoussoukro.

The Flying Eagles seized early control in this Group B clash, striking first through Olayemi Ayinla after just six minutes. The defender’s opener set the tone for a lively encounter, with chances and goals coming at regular intervals.

Ghana hit back midway through the first half when Mohammed Zaidan brought the Black Satellites level in the 23rd minute. Their parity was short-lived, however, as Nigeria quickly restored their advantage.

Oraro Lucky put Nigeria back in front on the half-hour mark, reasserting the champions’ dominance after the brief Ghanaian resurgence. As the pressure grew on the Black Satellites’ back line, Nigeria found a crucial third goal before the interval.

Muiz Adeleke extended the holders’ lead five minutes before half-time, making it 3-1 and giving Nigeria a two-goal cushion at the break. That strike left Ghana with a considerable task in the second half against opponents who looked confident and ruthless in front of goal.

Ghana fight back from the spot

After the restart, Ghana sought a response and were handed a route back into the contest from the penalty spot. Kelvin Nkrumah converted the kick to reduce the deficit, reviving the Black Satellites’ hopes of salvaging a result.

Buoyed by that goal, Ghana increased the tempo and applied sustained pressure as they chased an equaliser. Nigeria, though, held firm, defending their area with greater composure while looking to exploit space on the counter-attack.

Despite Ghana’s efforts to force a late twist, the Flying Eagles’ defence remained compact, limiting clear openings and frustrating their rivals as the minutes ticked away.

Adeleke seals it late on

With the match entering the closing stages, Nigeria were awarded a penalty of their own. Adeleke stepped up in the 89th minute to score his second of the evening from the spot, making it 4-2 and ending any realistic prospect of a Ghana comeback.

The forward’s late strike confirmed a statement win for the reigning champions and ensured they made an ideal start to their campaign in Group B of the U20 Wafu B tournament.

Nigeria will face Togo next as they look to build on this impressive opening result and strengthen their position in the section. Ghana, meanwhile, must regroup quickly after a damaging defeat in a fixture that often shapes momentum in this regional competition.

The U20 Wafu B tournament serves as a qualifying event for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations, adding further significance to Nigeria’s victory and Ghana’s early setback.