Nigeria extended their impressive run against Ghana at youth level with a commanding 4-2 victory over the Black Satellites in their opening Group B match of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship on Monday.
The highly anticipated encounter at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro lived up to expectations, with the Flying Eagles claiming a third straight win over their West African rivals in age-grade competitions.
As promised by head coach Abdu Maikaba ahead of the match, Nigeria made a flying start.
Right-back Olayemi Ayinla broke the deadlock inside the opening 10 minutes to hand the Flying Eagles an early advantage.
Ghana responded in the 20th minute through Mohammed Zaida, but Nigeria regained control eight minutes later when Oraro Lucky’s free-kick took a decisive deflection before beating the goalkeeper.
The Flying Eagles further strengthened their grip on the contest before the interval, with former Golden Eaglets forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke calmly converting a penalty in the 40th minute to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-1 lead at half-time.
The Black Satellites returned from the break with renewed determination and reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute after captain Kelvin Nkrumah converted from the penalty spot.
Despite Ghana’s improved display in the second half, Nigeria remained composed and sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Adeleke converted his second penalty of the evening in the 90th minute, making up for an earlier missed one-on-one opportunity and wrapping up an emphatic opening-day win.
The result puts the Flying Eagles in a strong position to qualify from Group B.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso and Togo were scheduled to meet in the group’s other fixture on Monday.
Nigeria will return to action against Togo’s Sparrow Hawks on July 30 before concluding their group campaign against Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions on August 2.
