WAFU U17: Nigeria beats Ghana’s Black Starlets 3-2 to win bronze

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets beat Ghana's under-17 side, the Black Starlets, by 3-2 to win bronze at the WAFU Zone B U17 Football Tournament at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

The Black Starlets were hoping to finish in third place after failing to make it to the final of the tournament, thereby not qualifying for the U17 AFCON and subsequently the U17 World Cup.

Imrana Muhammed broke the deadlock in the match in the 8th minute for Nigeria. The striker scored with his second attempt at goal after his first shot was blocked.

The Black Starlets restored parity in the match with a chance from a corner kick. Captain Benjamin Tsivanyo whipped in a cross, and defender Harve Gbafa headed the ball into the net.

The defender later grabbed his brace in the game when he flicked in a cross from Mark Mensah to put Ghana in the lead.

That goal lasted for 10 minutes as Nigeria later fetched the equalizer when Ghana's defense went to sleep without marking their opponents.

Abdulmuiz Adeleke was left unmarked in the box, and he wholeheartedly grabbed the chance with a header.

The game stayed at 2-2 from the first half until the 92nd minute when the Golden Eaglets launched an audacious attack, which saw Abdulmuiz Adeleke score the winner in the match.

The goal dampened the spirits of the Black Starlets, who had little time to get back into the game.