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Nigeria’s U20 side bounced back in emphatic fashion on Sunday, brushing aside Benin Republic 4-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U20 Championship, Footynaija.com reports.
Having drawn their opening match against hosts Ghana, the Flying Eagles came into this fixture knowing only a win would guarantee a place in the semi-finals.
FULL TIME
— ZONE OUEST B (@UfoawafuB) July 13, 2025
13.07.2025
4️⃣1️⃣
️ prampram technique Center #ZONEOUESTB | #WAFUBU20 pic.twitter.com/0SE0mcz1vf
Things didn’t begin well, though, as Junior Olugbade stunned the Nigerians with a brilliant free-kick to hand Benin a surprise lead midway through the first half.
GOAL!!
— Official54fx (@54footballx) July 13, 2025
The Cheetahs of Benin take the lead against the. Flying Eagles
A brilliant freekick from Junior Olugbade to put the Cheetahs in front!
Benin Republic 1-0 Nigeria#WAFUBU20BoysCup#54footballx pic.twitter.com/XnAVdRShJ4
But Aliyu Zubairu’s men responded with real authority.
Mohammed Abdullahi – fresh off scoring on his debut against Ghana – restored parity in the 40th minute after latching onto a loose ball from a goalmouth scramble, converting smartly after a deft pass from Divine Oliseh.
The momentum carried into the second half, and just moments after the restart, Anthony Kpangu tucked away a well-worked move to hand Nigeria their first lead of the tournament.
Comeback Complete!!
— Official54fx (@54footballx) July 13, 2025
The Flying Eagles turn the game on it’s head, a fine finish from Anthony Kpangu to give them the lead against Benin Republic!
Nigeria 2-1 Benin Republic #54footballx pic.twitter.com/th0djqsUvd
Benin struggled to contain Nigeria’s fluid attacking transitions, and with just minutes left on the clock, Imrana Muhammad finished off a blistering counterattack to put the result beyond doubt.
The icing on the cake came in added time as Abduljelil Mustapha’s deflected shot left the Benin goalkeeper stranded for Nigeria’s fourth.
The Flying Eagles make it FOUR!
— Official54fx (@54footballx) July 13, 2025
Brilliant work down the left from Emmanuel Kpangu to find Abduljelil Kamaldeen who strikes from outside the box, and scores the fourth!
Nigeria 4-1 Benin Republic #54footballx#WAFUBU20BoysCup pic.twitter.com/kdIPyP0Jtm
With the win, Nigeria now top Group A with four points and are through to the final four.
Barring a huge goal difference swing in Ghana’s favour against Benin on Wednesday, the Flying Eagles will finish top of Group A.
