The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on Tuesday spanked Togo 3-1 to advance to the semi final of the 2022 WAFU B Under 17 Championship going on in Cape Coast, Ghana.
The Nigerian lads had outclassed hosts Ghana 4-2 in the tournament’s opening game on Saturday and needed just a point to seal a place in the semis but got a more comprehensive result.
Forward Kevwe Iyede gave the Nduka Ugbade-coached boys the lead in the 10th minute when he bundled home the ball after Precious Williams’s chip over the goalkeeper was heading wide.
Williams then netted Nigeria’s second with a first time finish to Ebube Okere’s brilliant pass in the 23rd minute. It was the captain’s second goal of the competition and it ensured Nigeria went into the break with a two-goal advantage.
Komi Ahouankpo halved the deficit for Togo with a brilliant free kick from 20 yards with just fifteen minutes left on the clock but substitute Light Eke headed home in the 82nd minute to make the game safe for the Eaglets.
The win meant that Nigeria finish Group A with maximum six points from their two matches and will face the second placed team from Group B in their semi-final fixture at the Cape Coast Stadium next Tuesday.
The two finalists from the regional competition will qualify to represent the WAFU Zone B at the 2023 Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Algeria.