May 28, (THEWILL) – In a pulsating WAFU B U17 AFCON qualifier third-place match, the Nigerian Golden Eaglets defeated hosts Ghana, 3-2 on Tuesday evening, to claim the bronze medal. The hard-fought victory underscored Nigeria’s continued reputation as a force in age-grade football competitions.
The Eaglets drew first blood through Imrana Muhammad’s 9th-minute strike, but Harvey Gbafa equalised for Ghana with a well-taken header. The Black Starlets then surged ahead, courtesy of Gbafa’s clever 27th-minute flick.
Though the hosts looked in control, Abdulmuiz Adeleke’s clinical 40th-minute header restored parity for the defending champions. Both teams had chances before the interval, but the score remained locked at 2-2.
After a cagey second half, Adeleke proved the match-winner, firing home the decisive goal in the dying seconds after his initial effort struck the crossbar. The jubilant Nigerian contingent celebrated wildly as the final whistle blew.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
