The Nigeria U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, defeated Ghana’s Black Princesses 3-1 at the Omnisport Stadium in Adjohoun, Benin Republic on Saturday in their opener of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
Coach Moses Aduku started with Christiana Uzoma in goal, Oluchi Ohaegbulem, Tumininu Adeshina, Chiamaka Ezekwugo, Kesseina Oyijovwi, Faridat Abdulwahab, Taiwo Afolabi, captain Joy Igbokwe, Esther Inyang, Precious Oscar, and Janet Akekoromowei.
Nigeria opened strongly against the defending champions, taking the lead through a first-half brace from Janet Akekoromowei. The first chance came in the 14th minute when Ghana’s Grace Andoh produced a brilliant save to deny the Falconets. However, Nigeria earned a penalty in the 36th minute, which Akekoromowei calmly converted from the spot to make it 1-0. She then doubled her tally in first-half stoppage time with a moment of individual brilliance, sending the Falconets into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Ghana pulled one back early in the second half through Sarah Nyarko in the 49th minute, keeping the Black Princesses in contention. But the Falconets sealed the win in the 87th minute when Favour Chiamaka, scored a stunning goal directly from a corner kick, securing a 3-1 victory for Nigeria.
A superb performance from Nigeria’s Janet Akekoromowei saw her named Woman of the Match.
Nigeria top the table with three points and a +2 goal difference, while Ghana, who won their first game 2-0 against hosts Benin, occupy second place.
The Falconets will take on Benin on 9 November, face Ghana once more on 11 November, and conclude their campaign against Benin on 12 November.
