Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their WAFU Zone B U20 Championship title defence with a gritty 1-1 draw against hosts Ghana, salvaging a point through a late header from Abdullahi Muhammed in Accra, Soccernet.ng reports.
The defending champions, who lifted the trophy last year after beating Ghana in the final, were pushed to the limit by a spirited Black Satellites side at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence on Thursday.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side started brightly and looked sharper in the early exchanges, but their control faded as Ghana grew into the game. Nigeria’s captain Daniel Bameyi was forced into a heroic goalline clearance in the 10th minute to deny the hosts what would have been an early opener.
Ghana’s persistence paid off midway through the first half when Aziz Misbau pounced to give the home side a deserved 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute. The goal sent the crowd into raptures, and Ghana looked on course for revenge after their defeat in last year’s final.
The Flying Eagles, however, kept their composure and worked tirelessly to find a way back into the contest.
Divine Oliseh proved instrumental, earning a crucial corner in the 83rd minute. From it, Abdullahi Muhammed rose highest and powered a well-directed header past the Ghanaian goalkeeper to bring Nigeria level.
The equaliser silenced the home crowd and ensured that Nigeria avoided an opening day defeat in the three-team Group A, which also includes Benin Republic.
While both sides had chances to snatch a winner in the dying minutes, neither could convert, leaving the game delicately poised.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next group match against Benin Republic, knowing that another positive result could see them through to the semi-finals.