A dominant Golden Eaglets of Nigeria defeated the Black Starlets of Ghana 4-2 in the opening game of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championships in Cape Coast.
The five-time world champions started off the campaign with a well hit free-kick by Emmanuel Michael to give Nigeria an early lead.
Nigeria doubled the lead just a minute before half time through forward Precious Tonye Williams, ensuring they went into break with a commanding lead against Paa Kwesi Fabin’s side.
With less than an hour played, Jubril Opeyemi Azeez scored Nigeria’s third on the day.
The Black Starlets reduced the deficit seven minutes later when substitute Abdul Razak Salifu got the better of goalkeeper Richard Odoh.
A ruthless Nigeria side scored the fourth through midfielder Ebube Wisdom Okere to make it 4-1.
Ghana got themselves a penalty in the dying minutes of the game which was converted by Collins Agyemang to end the game at 4-2.
Ghana must now defeat Togo keep hopes alive if they want to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Algeria in 2023.