Nigeria’s U-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, staged a remarkable comeback in their second group match of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup, overcoming an early deficit to secure a resounding 4-1 victory against Benin Republic. This win significantly boosts their chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the tournament, held in Accra, Ghana. The match, played at the Prampram Centre, showcased the Flying Eagles’ resilience and attacking prowess, bouncing back from their opening draw against Ghana to dominate the Beninese side.
The match began with Benin Republic taking a surprising lead in the 24th minute. Junior Olugbade’s expertly curled free-kick found the bottom corner of the net, stunning the Nigerian side and momentarily placing them on the back foot. This early goal mirrored the challenge faced by the Flying Eagles in their previous match, where they had to fight back from a goal down against Ghana. However, just as they had demonstrated against the host nation, the Nigerian team responded with determination and tactical acumen.
The Flying Eagles’ equalizer came in the 39th minute, courtesy of striker Muhammed Abdullahi. A well-coordinated team move, involving a slick interplay with Divine Oliseh, culminated in Abdullahi calmly slotting the ball past the Beninese goalkeeper. This goal, Abdullahi’s second of the tournament, leveled the scores and injected renewed confidence into the Nigerian side. The first half ended with both teams locked at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half witnessed a complete turnaround in momentum, with Nigeria asserting their dominance and taking control of the game. Ezekiel Kpangu put the Flying Eagles ahead with a composed finish, capitalizing on excellent build-up play. This goal shifted the balance of power decisively in Nigeria’s favor, and they began to create more scoring opportunities. The Beninese defense struggled to contain the Nigerian attack, and the Flying Eagles capitalized on their advantage.
The closing stages of the match saw Nigeria further solidify their lead with two late goals. In the 86th minute, Imrana Mohammed skillfully navigated through the Beninese defense before finding the back of the net, extending the lead to 3-1. Shortly thereafter, Mohammed turned provider, assisting Abdullahi Majdid, who sealed the emphatic victory with a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving the Beninese goalkeeper with no chance. The final whistle blew with the scoreline at 4-1, reflecting Nigeria’s comprehensive performance and their resurgence in the tournament.
The victory against Benin Republic places Nigeria in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals. With four points from two matches, they now await the outcome of the final Group A encounter between Ghana and Benin Republic to determine their final group standing. Sporting Lagos defender Odinaka Okoro was recognized for his outstanding performance at left-back, receiving the Man of the Match award. As defending champions of the WAFU Zone B U-20 tournament, Nigeria are aiming to replicate their past success and secure a place in the final. The remaining group matches will determine the other semi-finalists, as Niger, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Togo battle it out in Group B. The Flying Eagles’ impressive performance against Benin Republic signals their intent to retain their title and continue their development as a prominent force in African youth football.
