Nigeria’s Under-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, today, sent its Ghananian counterparts packing with2-0 win and cruised tothe final of the 2015 Africa Under-20 football championship in Senegal.Ghana started well creating chances at will and denying the Nigerians of spaces. But it was the Flying Eagles who however drew first blood in the 23rd minute through a set piece.
Captain, Musa Muhammed whipped in an excellent corner kick from the left and Obinna Nwobodo did well to connect with a header when backpedalling from the goal, exemplifying pin-point accuracy as the Nigerians took the lead, somewhat against the run of play.
Nigeria came close to scoring a second moments later but last ditch defending saved the day for the Black Satellites.
Ghana were however not going down without a fight and on the half hour, Yaw Yeboah fired in a brilliant free kick which the Nigeria goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo did well to push away for a corner.
A minute later, Yeboah came even closer to leveling the scores but his passing shot a from cut back which beat Enaholo clattered against the post.
It was a huge let-off for the Flying Eagles but the Ghanaians refused to relent and on 35 minutes, Benjamin Tetteh was freed on the left but the Tufu Mighty Jets man fired over in shocking fashion.
The two sides continued to trade heavy blows with Ghana creating but failing to put away the more clear cut opportunities.
Muhammed almost doubled Nigeria’s lead a minute before the break but his free kick from a tight angle bit his effort clattered against the post.
Nigeria doubled their lead in the second half through a Muhammed penalty to add gloss to the result.
Nigeria are now through to Sunday’s final where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between Mali and Senegal.
[myad]
