Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets secured a place in the semi final of the WAFU B U17 Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Togo in their final Group B game. The match, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed to Thursday morning due to heavy rain that rendered the University Stadium pitch unplayable.
From the start, the Golden Eaglets dominated the game, with Abdulmuiz Adeleke opening the scoring after an assist from Abdulmuiz Oladimeji. Rapha Adams added the second goal, heading in a cross from captain Simon Cletus ten minutes before halftime. This marked Adams’ second goal of the tournament.
Adeleke scored his second goal of the match, completing his brace with a through pass from Cletus three minutes before the hour mark. He missed the opportunity for a hat trick, failing to convert a penalty in the 68th minute.
Manu Garba’s side topped Group B with seven points from three games and will face Cote d’Ivoire in the semi final. The other semi-final will feature hosts Ghana against Burkina Faso.
Editorial
The Golden Eaglets’ performance in the WAFU B U17 Championship exemplifies their dominance and readiness for higher level competition. Their ability to control matches and convert opportunities into goals is a testament to their training and tactical discipline under Coach Manu Garba.
Abdulmuiz Adeleke’s performance, in particular, stands out. His ability to find the back of the net twice and create scoring opportunities shows his potential as a future star. Similarly, Rapha Adams has proven to be a reliable scorer, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
The postponement of the match due to adverse weather conditions could have disrupted their rhythm, but the team’s focus and preparation ensured a seamless performance when they finally took to the pitch. This resilience is crucial for their upcoming challenges, especially in the semi final against a formidable Cote d’Ivoire side.
As the Golden Eaglets progress in the tournament, their matches serve as valuable exposure and experience, preparing them for future international competitions. Their success also highlights the strength and depth of Nigerian youth football, providing a promising outlook for the country’s footballing future.
Did You Know?
- The WAFU B U17 Championship is a regional tournament that serves as a qualifier for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
- Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are historically one of the most successful teams in youth football, having won the FIFA U17 World Cup a record five times.
- Abdulmuiz Adeleke and Rapha Adams have been standout performers in this tournament, showcasing the attacking talent present in the Nigerian squad.
- The University Stadium in Ghana, the venue for the match, is known for hosting various local and international sporting events.
- The semi final clash between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing strong performances in the group stages.
