Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have retained their WAFU B Championship crown, defeating Ghana 2-1 at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, to secure back-to-back titles.

The much-anticipated “Jollof Derby” did not disappoint, as Aliyu Zubairu’s side outplayed their Ghanaian counterparts to cement Nigeria’s dominance in the region.

Nigeria took control early, with 17-year-old striker Kparobo Arierhi delivering a stellar performance.

He opened the scoring in the 34th minute and doubled the lead just before half-time, giving the Flying Eagles a comfortable advantage going into the break.

The Black Satellites fought back in the second half, eventually pulling one back in the 73rd minute.

Despite creating better chances after the restart, the Ghanaians failed to convert, allowing Nigeria to hold on to their lead.

Zubairu’s Tactical Masterclass Pays Off

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s tactical approach proved effective, having studied Ghana’s gameplay closely. Speaking earlier to Brila.net, he expressed confidence in his team’s strategy.

“They are a good side too, but what we’ve realized is that in terms of intensity, they are very slow. We are trying to make sure that if we are able to raise the intensity of the game, if we are quicker than they do, it is going to give us an advantage,” Zubairu explained.

With this victory, Zubairu has not only lived up to his promise of success, but also reaffirmed the Flying Eagles’ pedigree, earning the trust and support of Nigerian fans.

Both Nigeria and Ghana have secured qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for more exciting encounters next year.