Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, have clinched their first-ever WAFU B U-20 Girls Cup title after a commanding 3-0 victory over Black Princesses of Ghana at the Stade Omnisports d’Adjohoun on Tuesday morning.
Janet Akekoromowei, Alaba Olabiyi, and Ramotalahi Kareem were the shiners on match day, each getting on the scoresheet to seal Nigeria’s triumph.
The result confirmed Nigeria’s place as champions of the regional tournament for the first time, dethroning Ghana, who won the maiden edition two years ago.
Nigeria entered the contest knowing that a win would all but guarantee the title, and they wasted no time asserting dominance.
Within 17 minutes, star forward Akekoromowei struck a thunderous free-kick from long range that flew past the Ghanaian goalkeeper, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
Just six minutes later, Alaba Olabiyi bundled home from close range to double Nigeria’s advantage after a headed assist from her teammate inside the penalty box.
The Falconets continued to pile on the pressure, showing precision, pace, and power in all departments.
After the break, their superiority was further established when Ramotalahi Kareem connected brilliantly with a teasing cross from Akekoromowei to make it 3-0 around the hour mark.
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Kareem’s third goal of the tournament brought her level with Akekoromowei at the top of the scoring charts.
The victory took Nigeria’s tally to nine points from three matches, rendering Wednesday’s fixture against hosts Benin Republic a formality.
Ghana, who had needed a win to cling to slim hopes of retaining their title after beating Benin 2-0 on Monday, could not cope with Nigeria’s intensity and have now finished the tournament with six points from four games.
The Falconets’ revenge made them lost to Ghana on penalties in the final of the inaugural edition two years ago.
Head coach Moses Aduku will now turn his focus to a bigger stage; the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Senegal scheduled for February next year.
For now, though, the Falconets can bask in the glory of being West Africa’s best.
