Falconets. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, began their WAFU B U20 Girls Cup campaign in style with a commanding 3-1 victory over defending champions Ghana in Adjohoun, Benin Republic, early on Saturday morning, Soccernet.ng reports.
After losing to the Black Princesses in last year’s final, the Falconets approached this encounter with quiet determination and it showed.
Star striker Janet Akekoromowei led the charge, scoring twice in the first half before Favour Chiamaka sealed the win late on with a stunning goal straight from a corner kick.
Photo Credit: Super Falcons/ X
Ghana, who had beaten hosts Benin 2-0 in Friday’s opener, appeared fatigued as Nigeria took control from the opening whistle.
Nigeria’s early dominance paid off in the 37th minute when Akeremkowei confidently converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
On the stroke of halftime, the forward was at it again, this time dancing past her marker before jinking the ball home over the goalkeeper with composure to double Nigeria’s lead. The Falconets took a deserved 2-0 advantage into the break.
Photo Credit: Ufoawafu B /X
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Ghana fight back but Falconets finish strong
Rejuvenated after the interval, the Black Princesses mounted pressure and found a breakthrough five minutes into the second half, pulling one back to make it 2-1. That goal sparked a tense spell, with both teams trading chances.
Nigeria’s backline, however, held firm as the Falconets goalkeeper produced a string of smart saves to keep the Falconets ahead.
The contest seemed to be heading for a nervy finish until the 88th minute when Favour Chiamaka produced a moment of magic, bending a corner kick directly into the net to restore Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.
It was a moment of redemption for the Falconets, who were denied the title by Ghana on penalties in the final two years ago. This time, Nigeria’s mix of discipline, pressing, and flair made the difference.
The victory places Nigeria top of the three-team table with three points and a +2 goal difference. Ghana follow closely behind, also on three points but with a neutral goal difference, while Benin sit bottom after their opening defeat.
The mini-tournament, reduced to three teams after the withdrawals of Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, will see each side play one another home and away.
Nigeria will face hosts Benin next on Sunday morning before another clash with Ghana on Tuesday. The final match of the competition comes on Wednesday, November 12.