Nigeria Cruises Past Benin 4-1, Secures WAFU B Semifinal Berth

Nigeria delivered a ruthless attacking performance to overpower Benin Republic 4-1 in their second Group A match at the WAFU B U20 Boys Championship in Prampram, Ghana.

Facing elimination after a 1-1 draw against Ghana in their opener, Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles needed a response – and they delivered emphatically.

There were four different goalscorers for Nigeria as Mohammed Abdullahi, Anthony Kpangu, Imrana Muhammad and Abduljelil Mustapha all found the net for the Flying Eagles.

Despite falling behind to a superb free-kick from Benin’s Junior Olugbade midway through the first half, Nigeria roared back with four unanswered goals.

La Planet FC’s Mohammed Abdullahi, who scored a late equaliser against Ghana on his U20 debut, continued his hot streak by levelling matters in the 40th minute. A goalmouth scramble fell kindly to Divine Oliseh, whose clever touch set up Abdullahi to fire low past the Benin goalkeeper.

That goal gave Nigeria the momentum heading into the break, and they wasted no time after the restart.

Just two minutes into the second half, Anthony Kpangu latched onto a flowing team move and coolly slotted home, giving Nigeria the lead for the first time in the tournament.

Benin tried to rally, but Nigeria’s pace and precision proved too much.

Three minutes from time, Imrana Muhammad completed a lightning-fast counterattack to make it 3-1.

The rout was completed in stoppage time when Abduljelil Mustapha’s deflected strike wrong-footed the goalkeeper and flew into the net.

The result puts Nigeria temporarily top of Group A with four points, ahead of Ghana and Benin who have one apiece. The former African champions are through to the final four stage of the regional competition.

The Flying Eagles will seal a semi-final place as group winners unless Ghana defeat Benin by at least four clear goals in their final match on Wednesday.

Soccernet.ng