Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their 2025 WAFU B U-20 Boys’ Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against hosts Ghana in Thursday’s opening Group A clash.
Ghana took the lead in the 23rd minute through Musibau Aziz, who unleashed a powerful strike past Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt after a slick low cross from the right. But with just under 10 minutes left on the clock, Abdulahi Abiodun rose highest to nod in a corner kick, earning the Flying Eagles a vital point on the road.
The regional tournament serves as key preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, where Nigeria is placed in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. The Flying Eagles, who secured World Cup qualification after finishing third at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, will face Benin Republic next on Sunday, July 13.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu has promised squad reinforcements ahead of the global tournament, as the team looks to better their quarter-final finish at the 2023 edition in Argentina.
