Nigeria thump Niger Republic, qualify for 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations

Cup holders Nigeria reached the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style on Sunday, after a come-from-behind 3-1 thumping of Niger Republic’s Junior Mena in Lome, in the process earning a ticket to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations. The neighbours to the north went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but just as they did against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, the seven-time African champions were unruffled. Instead, they found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three marvelous goals that took them to the Final, where they clash with West African arch rivals Ghana, who had earlier seen off Cote d’Ivoire 2-1. Against the run of play, the Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33rdminute, but Nigeria survived and shortly after, found the equalizer that their endeavour merited.  Clinton Jephta finished with aplomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu. Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage. The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through Olalekan Alonge. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1) but the team has continued to improve with every match since then. “The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s Final.”

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Niger dents Ghana’s AFCON 2025 hope 

Ghana managed a point against Niger in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after throwing away a first half lead to draw 1-1 with the Menas at the Municipal Stadium in Berkane, Morocco. Alidu Seidu put Ghana ahead just before the half-time whistle but Niger equalised through Oumar Sako to claim a point. Otto Addo made two changes to the starting line-up for the game as Majeed Ashimeru and Inaki Williams took the place of Elisha Owusu and Jordan Ayew. The backline was unchanged – Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu played as full backs with Salisu Mohammed and Abdul Mumin partnering in central defense. Captain Thomas Partey led from the heart of the pitch alongside Majeed Ashimreu and Mohammed Kudus while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams operate in the front three. The Black Stars took the lead in the 35th minute through an unlikely source after Alidu Seidu smashed home from 35 yards for the opening goal. Ghana went into the break with a slim margin and came from the break looking to add to the tally – but Otto Addo’s side failed to create any clear-cut chances and were ultimately punished by Oumar Sako in the 81st minute following a goalmouth melee. The introduction of Jordan Ayew and Brandon Thomas-Asante added very little to Ghana’s attacking threat as Niger held on for a draw. Ghana remain winless in Group F of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers after one draw and one loss in their two games in Group F.

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