Nigeria’s Jollof won again as Flying Eagles successfully defended their WAFU B Championship title in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Satellites in the final at Stade de Kegue in Lome, Togo.
This is the Nigerian U-20 team’s back-to-back championships title win, strengthening their dominance in the region.
Forward Arierhi Kparobo was the hero of the match, scoring two impressive goals in the first half.
The game was closely contested until the 33rd minute, when Kparobo broke the deadlock.
Receiving a well-placed ball from the right flank, the Beyond Limits Academy forward allowed it to roll across him before launching a powerful left-footed strike into the net.
Just minutes later, Kparobo doubled Nigeria’s lead, racing through on goal and firing a shot into the top corner just before halftime.
In the second half, the Flying Eagles focused on protecting their lead, but Ghana’s Black Satellites pressed forward with determined attacking play.
Their efforts were rewarded midway through the half with a well-taken header that reduced the deficit. However, despite creating several half-chances, Ghana couldn’t find the equalizer, and Nigeria held on to secure the victory.
In the tournament’s third-place match, Cote d’Ivoire defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 to claim the bronze medal.
With this result, both Nigeria and Ghana have qualified to represent WAFU Zone B at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa next year.
