Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, have officially claimed their first-ever WAFU B U20 Girls Cup title after defeating Ghana’s Black Princesses 3-0 at the Stade Omnisports d’Adjohoun on Tuesday morning.
Falconets dominate from kickoff
Needing a win to secure the championship before their final game, the Falconets immediately asserted control with composed buildup play and high-press intensity.
Their early pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Janet Akekoromowei unleashed a long-range, thunderous free-kick that flew past the helpless Ghanaian goalkeeper, energizing the Nigerian bench and fans.
Barely six minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage. A perfectly delivered header into the goal area caused chaos in the Ghanaian defence, allowing Alaba Olabiyi to tap the ball into the net from close range, giving the Falconets a deserved 2-0 lead.
Kareem completes the victory
Nigeria resumed the second half with the same energy, refusing to give Ghana any breathing space. Their persistence was rewarded when Ramotalahi Kareem connected with another dangerous cross from Akekoromowei to score Nigeria’s third goal around the hour mark.
Kareem’s goal marked her third of the tournament, drawing her level with Akekoromowei at the top of the tournament’s scoring chart, underlining Nigeria’s attacking superiority.
With this victory, the Falconets reached nine points from three matches, mathematically securing the championship with one game left to play. Their final group fixture against host nation Benin Republic will now serve as a routine outing.
Ghana’s title defence collapses
The Black Princesses, who came into the match hoping to keep their title defence alive after Monday’s win over Benin, struggled to match Nigeria’s pace and intensity.
Their loss leaves them with six points from four games, ending any hopes of retaining the trophy they won two years ago. For Nigeria, the win also serves as revenge for the heartbreak of losing to Ghana on penalties in the previous edition’s final.
Attention turns to World Cup qualifiers
Falconets head coach Moses Aduku expressed pride in his team’s performance and spirit, noting that the victory reflects the progress the squad has made over the past year.
He confirmed that the team will now shift focus to preparations for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Senegal scheduled for February next year.
For now, the Falconets celebrate a historic moment, firmly establishing themselves as the strongest U20 women’s side in West Africa and sending a message of intent ahead of upcoming international competitions.