The Golden Eaglets today got off to a super start in the 2023 U17 AFCON qualifiers when they defeated hosts Ghana 4-2 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.
Nigeria thus lead a three-team Group A with three points to take a huge step towards a place in the semifinals.
Ghana Black Starlets enjoyed a brighter start, but it was the Golden Eaglets who took the lead in the 12th minute through a brilliantly taken free kick by leftback Emmanuel Michael.
Nigeria doubled their advantage two minutes from half time when captain Precious Williams tucked away a rebound after the Ghana goalkeeper could not hold on to a shot by Kevwe Iyede.
The exciting Jubril Azeez made it 3-0 for the Eaglets on 52 minutes, when he scrambled home after a duel with the Ghana goalkeeper.
However, Ghana pulled a goal back five minutes later.
Substitute Lit Eke increased Nigeria’s lead in the 78th minute when he connected home a low corner from the right.
Ghana made it a more respectable 4-2 in the 88th minute when they netted a penalty kick after a Nigerian defender hacked down a goal-bound opponent.
