Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have made a blistering start to their campaign at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup in Benin Republic, securing two commanding victories in their opening matches.
Inspired by Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem, each scoring a brace in successive games, the Falconets now stand on the verge of clinching the title following their display of attacking football and dominance.
Falconets Akekoromowei’s Brace Downs Ghana in Tournament Opener
On Saturday morning, at the Omnisport Stadium in Adjohoun, the Falconets opened their campaign with a 3–1 triumph over archrivals Ghana’s Black Princesses in a Jollof Rivalry start to the competition.
Coach Moses Aduku’s side began aggressively, dictating the pace from kickoff. After Ghana’s goalkeeper Grace Andoh made an early save to deny the Nigerians in the 14th minute, the breakthrough came in the 36th minute when the Falconets were awarded a penalty.
Midfielder Janet Akekoromowei stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, handing Nigeria a well-deserved lead.
She struck again in first-half stoppage time, beating two defenders before finishing calmly to make it 2–0 at the break.
Ghana halved the deficit in the 49th minute through Sarah Nyarko, but Nigeria maintained control and sealed the win in the 87th minute when Favour Nkwocha scored directly from a corner kick to secure a 3–1 victory.
For her outstanding contribution, Akekoromowei was named Woman of the Match, capping off a superb individual performance that set the tone for Nigeria’s campaign.
Kareem Strikes Twice as Falconets Sweep Aside Hosts
Barely 24 hours later, the Falconets returned to action on Sunday, showing no signs of fatigue as they dispatched hosts Benin Republic 3–0 at the Adjohoun Stadium.
From the onset, the young Nigerians were in total control, creating several early chances and keeping their defensive shape intact.
Their dominance paid off in the 15th minute when Ramotalahi Kareem received a precise lofted pass from Kesseina Oyijovwi, glided past two defenders, and delicately chipped the ball over the Benin goalkeeper to open the scoring.
The Falconets doubled their lead in the 59th minute, with Kareem completing her brace after finishing a flowing team move from the right flank with a low, clinical shot.
In stoppage time, Precious Oscar pounced on a poor defensive clearance from a corner to slot home the third goal, sealing a comfortable victory.
Kareem’s relentless performance earned her the Woman of the Match award, following Akekoromowei’s feat from the previous day.
Falconets in Commanding Position
With six points from two games and a +5 goal difference, Nigeria currently tops the three-team group, ahead of Ghana and hosts Benin.
The tournament format means each team will face the others twice, with the Falconets needing just one more win to effectively seal the title.
They will next face Ghana on Tuesday, November 11, before wrapping up their campaign with a rematch against Benin Republic on Wednesday, November 12.
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Nigeria Eye Another Regional Crown
With standout performances from both games, Nigeria’s falconets looks well on course to add another WAFU B title to its growing collection.
The tournament continues in Adjohoun as the Falconets aim to maintain their perfect record and finish the campaign unbeaten.
