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WAFU B: Nigeria crush Benin to book semi-final spot 14th July 2025 flying-eagles-nigeria.

Flying Eagles Soar Past Benin, Secure WAFU B Semi-Final Berth.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, July 14, to secure a semi-final spot at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup, defeating Benin Republic 4-1 in their second and final group game at the University of Ghana’s Prampram Centre in Accra.

After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their opening fixture against Ghana, the pressure was on Aliyu Zubairu’s side to get a result.

Despite going behind midway through the first half, the reigning champions showed resilience and attacking flair to overpower the Cheetahs and keep their title defence alive.

Early Shock for Nigeria

Benin Republic stunned Nigeria in the 24th minute through Junior Olugbade’s spectacular free-kick.

The Beninese forward curled the ball beyond the reach of Flying Eagles goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu, silencing the Nigerian bench and putting the Cheetahs in control.

The early setback jolted the Flying Eagles into action.

Nigeria began to assert control of the midfield through Divine Oliseh and captain Daniel Daga, stringing passes together in search of an equalizer.

Abdullahi Answers Back

Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute. A flowing team move involving Oliseh and right-back Sulaiman Sarki found striker Muhammed Abdullahi, who kept his composure to slot home past the Benin goalkeeper.

The goal, Abdullahi’s second in as many matches, brought Nigeria back into the contest and changed the momentum heading into the break.

Both sides went into halftime tied at 1-1, knowing that the second half would be decisive in determining their progression to the knockout stage.

Nigeria Turns Up the Heat

The Flying Eagles returned for the second half with renewed purpose and urgency.

Their attacking intent was rewarded just after the hour mark when Ezekiel Kpangu gave Nigeria the lead.

The forward latched onto a pass from Daga and calmly fired into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

With the wind in their sails, Nigeria pushed forward relentlessly.

The midfield trio of Daga, Oliseh, and Rabiu Abubakar controlled the tempo, while the full-backs provided width and energy on the flanks.

Benin, needing at least a draw to stand a chance of progressing, pushed men forward in search of a late equalizer, but Nigeria’s backline, marshaled by Odinaka Okoro, stood firm.

Late Goals Seal the Deal

In the 86th minute, substitute Imrana Mohammed put the game beyond doubt.

The lanky attacker weaved his way past two defenders before slotting home for Nigeria’s third goal.

Moments later, Mohammed turned creator, setting up Abdullahi Majdid, who rifled in a spectacular long-range strike to make it 4-1.

The fourth goal underscored Nigeria’s dominance and sent a clear message to the other semi-finalists.

It was a ruthless and composed second-half performance that reflected their championship pedigree.

Defensive Rock Shines

Left-back Odinaka Okoro was named Man of the Match for his solid defensive display and contribution going forward.

The Sporting Lagos defender showcased maturity and tactical awareness, limiting Benin’s chances on the left flank while supporting Nigeria’s attacking play.

Okoro received his award post-match from Benin’s head of delegation, Innocent Atindehou, and WAFU B executive director, Philippe Tchere.

Eyes on the Semis

With four points from two matches, Nigeria have all but confirmed their place in the semi-finals.

However, the final Group A match between Ghana and Benin on Wednesday will determine their final standing and semi-final opponent.

Should Ghana beat Benin, they will top the group on goal difference, pushing Nigeria into second place.

A draw or Benin win would see Nigeria finish top and potentially face the Group B runners-up.

Elsewhere in Group B, the race for semi-final spots continues as Niger face Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso take on Togo.

The group phase wraps up on Thursday, with all four teams still mathematically in contention.

Title Defence on Track

As defending champions, Nigeria entered the 2025 WAFU B tournament with high expectations.

After a shaky start against Ghana, the Flying Eagles have found their rhythm and remain strong contenders for the title.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his team’s character and adaptability after the win. “We didn’t panic after going behind.

The boys stayed focused, stuck to the plan, and delivered a great result. We’re improving game by game,” he said.

The semi-finals will offer a bigger test, but with confidence growing and key players hitting form, the Flying Eagles are soaring once again.


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