Nigeria U17 side, the Golden Eaglets, defeated Ghana 3-2 to secure third place at the WAFU tournament in Ghana, www.aclsports.com reports.
Manu Garba’s boys, who lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals, faced the hosts in a battle for the bronze medal and they showed enough character to beat the Black Starlets at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.
Imrana Muhammad got Nigeria the opening goal after just ten minutes before the Ghanaians got back on level terms via Harve Gbafa ten minutes later. Gbafa then put the Starlets in front just before the half-hour mark but before the break, Abdulmuiz Adeleke grabbed Nigeria’s equalizer. Abdulmuiz then scored the winner in stoppage time to seal the bronze medal for Manu Garba’s side.
Nigeria and Ghana were favourites in their respective semi-final games but failed as Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire made it to the final. For this clash, Garba started John Ogwuche in midfield ahead of Abdulmuiz Oladimeji, while Adeleke was once again selected to lead the line.
The Golden Eaglets started the game well and took an early lead when Muhammed intercepted a pass in the opposition half before playing Adeleke through on goal. From the subsequent cut-back, the former blasted home for the game’s opening goal. Just moments later, the hosts got their equalizer. Gbafa, left unmarked in the box, headed home a sumptuous corner delivery from Benjamin Tsivanyo.
Ghana then went in front from another set-piece as Gbafa was on hand to direct Mark Mensah’s low cross home. However, the Nigerians got themselves back on level terms just before the half-time break. A sweet build-up involving Sylvester Chika, Cletus, and Oguwche ended with Adeleke heading home a teasing cross from Ogwuche.
After the interval, the two teams kept each other at bay but the Nigerian youngsters snatched the win in the final minute of stoppage time. Adeleke sent his initial effort against the woodwork before substitute Daniel Arierhi teed him up for the winning goal.
The Golden Eaglets are still not sure if they have qualified for the AFCON pending clarification from CAF on the matter. Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire – who lost 3-1 to Burkina Faso in the final – have been selected to host the U17 AFCON in 2025.
