The Flamingos of Nigeria and the Black Maidens of Ghana will clash in the final of the inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup.
The final, scheduled for Sunday at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram, just outside Accra, adds another chapter to the fierce football rivalry between the West African nations.
Nigeria 2-0 Benin
The Flamingos secured their place in the final with a convincing 2-0 victory over the Benin Republic in the second semi-final played on Thursday night. Despite a goalless first half, Nigeria demonstrated their attacking prowess after the break, scoring two goals to seal their passage to the final.
The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when forward Mary Lucky Mkpa calmly converted a penalty kick, giving Nigeria the lead. The goal came shortly after a missed opportunity by striker Janet Akekoromowei, who had a clear chance to put the Flamingos ahead earlier in the second half.
Nigeria quickly capitalised on their momentum, extending their lead just eight minutes after the opening goal. Peace Effiong took advantage of a goalkeeping error to score Nigeria’s second goal.
Although Akekoromowei found the net again in the 84th minute, her goal was disallowed by the referee, who judged that she had impeded the goalkeeper before scoring.
Double jollof battle on Sunday
The final coincides with another match between the two countries. Their home-based senior men’s teams will also face off in Accra on the same day for the first leg of their 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying fixture.
This double-header of Nigeria-Ghana matches on the same day intensifies the sporting rivalry and provides a captivating spectacle for football fans across the region.
