The Nigerian Golden Eaglets secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations tournament after a hard-fought victory over Ghana’s Starlets, ending with a 3-2 scoreline in favor of Nigeria. The thrilling match took place at the University Stadium in Accra, where the Eaglets clinched the bronze medal at the WAFU B U17 Championship, securing third place in the tournament.
The Eaglets took an early lead in the 9th minute with a goal from Imrana Muhammad, only for Ghana to equalize ten minutes later due to an own goal by the Nigerian side. Ghana then seized the lead in the 27th minute with a strike from Harve Gbafa after a defensive error.
However, Nigeria fought back fiercely, with Abdulmuiz Adeleke nodding in the equalizer just before halftime from a cross by John Ogwuche. As the match intensified and seemed destined for a penalty shootout, Adeleke’s late goal ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the continental finals next year.
Both teams had missed out on qualification for the 2025 tournament after defeats in the semi-finals. Ghana lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso, while Ivory Coast secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria. Despite these setbacks, the Eaglets’ resilience and determination paved the way for their qualification in the end.
