Flying Eagles defeat Arch-Rivals Ghana to retain WAFU B U20 Cup

In a thrilling encounter on Wednesday night, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles retained their WAFU B U20 Cup title, defeating rivals Ghana 2-1 at Stade Kegue in Lome, Togo.

The victory also secured both teams’ spots in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be held in South Africa in January.

Nigeria claimed the victory in the “Jollof Derby” with an impressive first-half performance led by 17-year-old striker Kparobo Arierhi, who scored a decisive brace.

Arierhi’s two well-taken goals came in quick succession, the first in the 34th minute and the second just before halftime, giving him a total of three goals in the tournament, tied with Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta.

The Flying Eagles took control of the game early on, with Jephta nearly scoring within the first five minutes.

Nigeria’s fast-paced wingers kept Ghana’s defense under pressure, especially through the dynamic performance of Bidemi Amole, whose speed and skill created constant problems for the opposition.

Nigeria’s determination and attacking prowess secured a well-deserved lead, reaffirming their status as champions and setting high hopes for their performance in the upcoming U20 AFCON.

In the Flying Eagles defence, captain Daniel Bameyi, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt and right back Adamu Maigari were outstanding

Ghana, cheered on by hundreds of their supporters from across the border, put up a spirited fight after the break and were rewarded with a goal after 73 minutes.

The Black Satellites created the better chances in the second half, but could not put them away.

Maigari cleared a goal-bound effort with goalkeeper Harcourt beaten and in the closing moments Ghana could not finish off another dangerous attack with the Flying Eagles back-four all at sea.