Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Boys championship with an emphatic 4-1 comeback victory over Benin Republic at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on Sunday evening.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side, who had drawn 1-1 with hosts Ghana in their opening match, needed a win to boost their chances of progressing—and they delivered in style, putting four past a stubborn Benin side after initially falling behind.
Flying Eagles Fight Back in Style
Nigeria named an unchanged starting XI from the Ghana game, with Daniel Bameyi once again captaining the side and partnering Ahmed Akinyele in central defence. But it was Benin who struck first, capitalising on a sluggish start from the Nigerians.
Midway through the first half, Junior Olugbade curled in a well-taken free-kick from the edge of the area to give the Junior Cheetahs a surprise lead. The Flying Eagles struggled for rhythm and cohesion in the opening half-hour, but gradually grew into the game.
The equaliser came five minutes before half-time as forward Abdullahi Muhammed latched onto a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted home to level the scores, giving Nigeria the momentum heading into the break.
Second-Half Blitz Secures Victory
The Flying Eagles came out with renewed energy in the second half and needed just three minutes after the restart to take the lead. Ezekiel Kpangu finished smartly after a swift attacking move, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the game.
With Benin pushing forward in search of an equaliser, spaces opened up, and Nigeria’s substitutes made the difference. In the 81st minute, Imrana Muhammad extended the lead with a composed finish after a counter-attack.
Abduljelil Kamaldeen then sealed the win with a brilliant individual goal in stoppage time, skipping past his marker before firing past the goalkeeper to complete the 4-1 rout.
What’s Next?
The victory puts Nigeria top of Group A with four points from two games, confirming their place in the semi-finals with one group match left to play. Their opponents in the last four will be determined from Group B, which features Burkina Faso, Niger, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The final Group A fixture—between Ghana and Benin Republic—will be played on Wednesday, June 16. A draw for Ghana will be enough to see them join Nigeria in the knockout stage.
Quick Match Summary
Venue: University of Ghana Stadium, Accra
Final Score: Nigeria 4–1 Benin Republic
Scorers: Benin: Junior Olugbade (28’) Nigeria: Abdullahi Muhammed (40’), Ezekiel Kpangu (48’), Imrana Muhammad (81’), Abduljelil Kamaldeen (90+3’)
