Nigeria 4 Benin 1: Abdullahi, Ezekiel, Muhammad, Mustapha fire Flying Eagles to victory

Nigeria's Flying Eagles clinched a comfortable 4-1 win over Benin Republic in their second group game at the WAFU Zone B U20 Cup tournament on Sunday at the Centre Prampram Stadium.

Goals from Muhammed Abdullahi, Imrana Muhammed, AbdulJelilu Mustapha and Ezekiel Anthony sealed the victory for the Flying Eagles, while Benin's only goal came from Junior Olugbade.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu made a tactical adjustment to his starting XI, handing Mohammed Abdullahi a start after his late equalizer against Ghana in the opening match.

Despite Nigeria’s strong start, Benin broke the deadlock when Junior Olugbade opened the scoring with a well-taken direct free kick, beating goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

However, Nigeria drew level through a composed finish from Muhammad Abdullahi in the 38th minute.

The young Kwara United striker calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper after receiving a well-timed pass from Oliseh.

Despite several attempts to regain the lead, Nigeria couldn't find another breakthrough before halftime, as the teams went into the break level.

The Flying Eagles restarted the game with renewed aggression, and just two minutes into the second half, Ezekiel Anthony restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish in the 47th minute — his first goal of the tournament.

Nigeria continued to dominate possession and create chances, and their persistence paid off with goals in the closing minutes of the match.

With just three minutes left on the clock, Imrana Muhammed was played through on goal and showed great composure to lift the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, extending Nigeria’s lead.

Abduljelilu Mustapha then sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring in stoppage time to secure a comfortable win for the Flying Eagles.

Adeyemi Adewale

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