The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on ýFriday emerged champions of the West Africa B Zone when they defeated the Young Squirrels of Republic of Benin 3-1 in the final match of the WAFU B Under-20 Championship held in Niamey, Niger Republic.
A brace from Remo Stars’ Tolulope Ojo and Ibrahim Muhammad’s 84th minute effort had put Nigeria in a comfortable position prior to Beninoise consolation.
The Republic of Benin side had won their Group A which included hosts Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo, before edging Burkina Faso in the first semi-final match on Tuesday.
The Flying Eagles started their campaign with a 2-0 spanking of tournament title-holders and continental champions Ghana, before a 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso.
In the semi-finals, they outclassed an Ivorian team with a blistering pace and superb turn 2-1 after extra time to reach the final.
Nigeria and Benin Republic will now fly WAFU B zone’s flag at the 2023 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.
