Defending champions, Nigeria, rallied to a 1-1 draw with hosts, Ghana, in their opening game of the 2025 WAFU B U-20 Championship, which is taking place in Accra, Gh.
 
Ghana took the lead in the 25th minute of the game and held the advantage until the 84th minute when Muhammed Abdullahi powered in a header to level scores.
 
Tried as they did in the game that swung both ways, none of neither side could get the winner in the match played at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
 
Earlier, in his official pre-match press conference, Flying Eagles’ Coach, Aliyu Zubair revealed that the team had to swiftly reorganise following an initial focus on preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.  
 
Despite the limited preparation time, Zubair expressed confidence in the resilience and pride of his players, especially given the nature of the rivalry with Ghana. The clash between the two nations, regardless of level or setting, always draws attention.
 
“We know the history between Ghana and Nigeria, and it has always been like that at whatever level,” Zubair stated. “Even if it’s community football between Nigeria and Ghana anywhere, it’s always attractive because of the clean rivalry.”
 
The Flying Eagles are the defending champions, having won the last edition of the WAFU U20 Championship in Togo, where they beat Ghana in the final.
  
Next for the Flying Eagles is a clash with the Benin Republic, on Sunday.