Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their title defence at the WAFU Zone B U20 Championship with a 1-1 draw against arch-rivals Ghana, thanks to a late equaliser from Abdullahi Muhammed in Accra, Footynaija.com reports.
The reigning champions, who defeated the Black Satellites in last year’s final, were made to work hard in Thursday’s opener at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence. Despite a strong start, Nigeria found themselves trailing in the 23rd minute when Aziz Misbau struck to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Ghana had earlier threatened to open the scoring, but Nigeria captain Daniel Bameyi pulled off a crucial goalline clearance to keep the match level. The home side’s persistence eventually paid off, and their fans looked set to celebrate revenge for last year’s heartbreak.
However, Nigeria regrouped and pressed for a response. Divine Oliseh earned a corner in the 83rd minute, and from it, Muhammed rose to head home an important equaliser and rescue a point.
The result keeps Group A delicately balanced, with Benin Republic the third team in the group. Only the top two advance to the semi-finals, making Nigeria’s next fixture critical.