In a thrilling West African derby that lived up to its billing, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, kicked off their WAFU B Women’s Cup campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana on Saturday.
The match was a tale of two halves, defined by a first-half masterclass from Nigeria and a resilient, but ultimately insufficient, response from Ghana after the break.
The first half was overwhelmingly dominated by the Falconets, who pressed with intensity and purpose.
Breakthrough came five minutes before the interval, when a Nigerian attacker was brought down in the box, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.
With immense composure, Janet Akeremowei stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the Ghanaian goalkeeper the wrong way and handing Nigeria a deserved lead.
The Falconets were not finished. Just as the Black Princesses were hoping to reach halftime and regroup, Akeremowei struck again. Capitalising on a defensive lapse or a well-worked team move, the prolific forward doubled her tally and Nigeria’s advantage, sending her team into the break with a formidable 2-0 lead and all the momentum.
Determined to mount a comeback, Ghana emerged from the locker room with renewed vigor. Their efforts were rewarded shortly after the restart when Sarah Nyarko found the back of the net, giving the Black Princesses a crucial lifeline and setting up a tense, end-to-end battle for much of the second half.
As the clock ticked down, Ghana pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but the Nigerian defense held firm. Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished in the dying moments of the game.
With just two minutes left on the clock, Favour Nkwocha collected the ball and unleashed a stunning, long-range strike that flew into the net, a goal worthy of winning any match. Her spectacular effort sealed the 3-1 victory, restoring Nigeria’s two-goal cushion and confirming the three points.
This statement win provides a perfect start for the Falconets in the tournament. The team will have little time to rest, however, as they face the host nation, Benin Republic, in their next group stage encounter on Sunday morning.
The group stage concludes with a swift rematch against Ghana on Tuesday, setting the stage for a potential grudge match.
The final of the competition is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, where the Falconets will be hoping their potent attack, led by the brilliant Janet Akeremowei, can fire them all the way to the title.
