THE Flying Eagles of Nigeria began their Group B campaign in this year’s WAFU B U-20 Championship with a 4-2 victory over Ghana’s Black Satellites in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire, today.
Olayemi Ayinla gave the Flying Eagles the perfect start in the sixth minute, unleashing a powerful shot that left the Ghanaian goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
But Ghana fought back quickly and drew level in the 23rd minute through Mohammed Zaidan.
The Flying Eagles were soon back in front, restoring their lead seven minutes later when Lucky Oraro’s free-kick took a wicked deflection to make it 2-1.
The pressure told again before half-time. In the 38th minute, the Flying Eagles were awarded a penalty, and Muiz Adeleke stepped up to convert easily, sending the team into half-time 3-1 up.
Head coach Abdu Maikaba made one change at the restart, bringing in Adamu Hussaini for Imrana Muhammad as the Flying Eagles looked to consolidate on their position.
Ghana would not go down without a fight, and were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, which Kelvin Nkrumah converted to pull it back to 3-2.
The Black Satellites pushed for the equaliser, but the Flying Eagles weathered the storm and slowly regained control of the contest.
Adeleke missed a golden one-on-one chance in the 84th minute to seal the win, but he made amends one minute from time by converting from the spot as the Flying Eagles were awarded a well-deserved penalty.
