Ghana’s Black Satellites began their 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship campaign with a 4-2 defeat to arch-rivals Nigeria in an action-packed Group B encounter in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Flying Eagles made a blistering start, taking the lead through Olayemi Ayinla in the sixth minute before Oraro Lucky doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark. Muiz Adeleke added a third just before half-time to give Nigeria a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the interval.
Ghana responded positively after the restart, scoring twice to breathe life into the contest and pile pressure on the Nigerians as the Black Satellites searched for a dramatic comeback.
However, Nigeria weathered the storm and put the result beyond doubt in the closing moments when Adeleke converted from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to complete his brace and secure a convincing victory for the Flying Eagles.
The defeat leaves Ghana with work to do in Group B as the Black Satellites shift their focus to a crucial clash against Burkina Faso, while Nigeria will look to build on their winning start when they take on Burkina Faso in their next fixture.