Hosts Ghana emerged victorious in the first-ever WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup on Sunday after edging out a resilient Nigerian team 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The closely contested final, held at the Ghanaian Centre of Excellence in Prampram, outside Accra, saw both teams locked at 2-2 in regulation time before penalties decided the winner.
A Thrilling Start to the Final
Ghana started the match with a blistering display of attacking football, quickly establishing a two-goal lead. Gertrude Amoafo opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a composed finish, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Nigeria. Five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah doubled Ghana’s lead with a clinical strike, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
It seemed as though the Black Maidens would cruise to victory, but the Nigerian Flamingos refused to capitulate. Their resilience paid off in the 34th minute when Precious Oscar reduced the deficit with a powerful volley inside the Ghanaian penalty area.
Nigeria’s Late Comeback
The second half saw Nigeria pile on the pressure in search of an equalizer, with Ghana’s goalkeeper Aishatu Fatai making crucial saves to keep her team ahead. However, the Flamingos’ persistence was rewarded in the 78th minute when Harmony Chidi unleashed a stunning long-range strike that soared past Fatai to level the scoreline at 2-2.
With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match proceeded to penalties.
Penalty Drama
In the shootout, both teams converted their first four attempts, showcasing their composure under pressure. However, Nigerian defender Taiwo Adegoke’s strike hit the woodwork, handing Ghana the decisive advantage. The Black Maidens capitalized, converting their fifth penalty to secure the championship and spark celebrations among the home fans.
Impressive Tournament Run for Nigeria
Despite the heartbreak in the final, Nigeria’s Flamingos had an outstanding tournament. The team scored an impressive 16 goals across four matches and conceded only four, demonstrating their attacking prowess and defensive solidity.
Coach Bankole Olowookere commended his team’s performance, highlighting their resilience in the final against a tough Ghanaian side. “Our girls showed great character and determination. This experience will serve as a stepping stone for their development,” Olowookere stated.
Bronze Medal for Benin Republic
Earlier in the day, Benin Republic claimed the third-place title after defeating Côte d’Ivoire in another penalty shootout. The closely fought encounter ended in a stalemate during regulation time, with Benin holding their nerve in the shootout to secure the bronze medals.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup showcased the immense talent and potential of young female footballers in the region. Ghana’s victory not only highlighted their strength as hosts but also their dedication to youth development in women’s football. For Nigeria, the tournament served as a valuable experience, laying a foundation for future successes on the continental and global stages.
As the tournament concludes, both teams can take pride in their performances, with fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters in African and global competitions.
