Wafu B U20 Ghana 1 Nigeria 1: Abdullahi's 83rd minute strike rescues point for Flying Eagles

Nigeria's U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against fierce rivals Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Cup on Thursday evening at the Centre of Excellence, Prampram.

It was a tightly contested West African derby that lived up to expectations, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance and physicality throughout the encounter. 

Ghana's Musibau Aziz opened the scoring midway through the first half with a thunderous strike, but Nigeria's Muhammed Abdullahi rose late to nod home an equalizer in the 83rd minute.

Nigeria began the match on the front foot, dictating possession and applying early pressure.

Despite the positive start, it was Ghana who nearly broke the deadlock in the opening 15 minutes following a swift counterattack that saw Nigeria's defender Akinleye dispossessed, leading to a goal-bound header cleared off the line by captain Daniel Bamayi.

Akinleye was later shown a yellow card for a rash challenge that handed Ghana a dangerous free-kick just outside the box. 

However, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt came to the rescue, making a crucial save to keep the scoreline level.

Nigeria's first real opportunity came when forward Amole tested Ghana's goalkeeper with a fierce shot inside the box, but the effort was well parried.

Ghana eventually found the breakthrough before halftime as Aziz latched onto a cutback from the right flank and unleashed a rocket into the roof of the net, leaving Harcourt with no chance and giving the Black Satellites a deserved 1-0 lead.

The Flying Eagles regrouped in the second half, stepping up their attacking intent while Ghana turned to a more physical approach to protect their advantage.

The pressure finally paid off when Muhammed Abdullahi rose highest to head home from a cross, bringing Nigeria level with seven minutes to play.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but solid defending and a lack of precision in the final third saw the match end in a stalemate.

The Flying Eagles will now turn their focus to their next game as they continue preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: GFA

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com