Nigeria triumph over Ghana to claim bronze at WAFU Zone B U17 Tournament

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets edged out Ghana’s under-17 side, the Black Starlets, with a 3-2 victory to secure the bronze medal at the WAFU Zone B U17 Football Tournament, held at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

The Black Starlets aimed to secure third place after missing the finals, thereby losing their chance to qualify for the U17 AFCON and the U17 World Cup.

Imrana Muhammed opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 8th minute, finding the net on his second attempt after his initial shot was blocked.

Ghana equalized through a corner kick, with Captain Benjamin Tsivanyo’s cross met by defender Harve Gbafa, who headed it in. Gbafa later scored his second goal by flicking in a cross from Mark Mensah, putting Ghana ahead.

However, the lead lasted only 10 minutes before Nigeria equalized. Abdulmuiz Adeleke, left unmarked, capitalized on a defensive lapse to head the ball in, making it 2-2 by halftime.

The decisive moment came in the 92nd minute when the Golden Eaglets launched a bold attack, resulting in Adeleke scoring the winning goal, dashing the Black Starlets’ hopes with little time remaining to respond.