Flying Eagles batter Sparrow Hawks 3-0 to seal final-four spot
Nigeria’s U20 national team, Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU B U20 Tournament. They defeated Togo 3-0 in their second Group B game in Yamoussoukro on Thursday, carrying on the momentum from their 4-2 win over Ghana’s Black Satellites on the opening day.
Togo’s Sparrow Hawks came out strong and proved difficult in the first half. The Flying Eagles dominated early but were almost caught napping in the 38th minute when Togo missed a clear chance and shot wide. The game became open towards the end of the half with both sides launching onslaughts, but there was no breakthrough from either team.
The first half ended scoreless with both sides on equal possession. Nigeria came out stronger after the break and broke the deadlock early. One minute into the second period, Muiz Adeleke, who netted a brace against the Black Satellites on Monday, put the Flying Eagles ahead to make it 1-0. Togo pushed to get back into the game but Nigeria’s defence stood firm and the team maintained good control.
Adeleke got his second in the 59th minute. He went on a quick counter, rounded the Togolese goalkeeper and scored to complete his brace. Nigeria almost made it three shortly after when Togo’s goalkeeper made a mistake, but the opportunity was not utilised. However, the handsome win was sealed in the 85th minute when substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye replaced Adeleke and immediately got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0. The Flying Eagles held on till the final whistle to secure the victory and a place in the semi-finals.
Seven-time African champions Nigeria face Burkina Faso on Sunday in what promises an explosive encounter.
