Falconets Defeat Ghana 3–1 In WAFU U-20 Women’s Tournament Opener

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, began their campaign at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Women’s Cup with an impressive 3–1 victory over Ghana in Adjohoun on Saturday.

The match saw Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei steal the spotlight with a brilliant brace, earning her the Woman of the Match award.

Akekoromowei opened the scoring for Nigeria from the penalty spot five minutes before halftime, then doubled the lead just before the break. Ghana’s Sarah Nyarko reduced the deficit shortly after the restart, but Favour Nkwocha sealed the win for the Falconets with a stunning strike directly from the corner flag in the 88th minute.

Star Performance

The towering forward, Akekoromowei, who has previously played for Asisat Oshoala Academy, Nasarawa Amazons, and Bayelsa Queens, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2025 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six. She also represented Nigeria at both the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and the U-17 World Cup the same year.

The West African Football Union (WAFU) tournament, which features countries from Zone B, was affected by the withdrawal of Mali and Burkina Faso, leaving Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin Republic as the remaining participants. The competition format was adjusted accordingly.

Following this victory, Nigeria will face hosts Benin Republic on Sunday morning, before another meeting with Ghana on Tuesday. The final is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12.

Reactions

The official WAFU Zone B account posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“A superb performance from Nigeria’s Siemeyeha Janet, who scored twice to power the Falconets to victory! She has been deservedly named Woman of the Match after an outstanding display in Adjohoun.”

Fans across Nigeria have also praised the Falconets’ dominant display, contrasting it with the recent struggles of the men’s national and club teams.

“Only the female teams are giving us joy these days,” one fan wrote. “The men’s teams have become a national embarrassment.”

Another fan added:

“Our girls are strong, disciplined, and skillful. The Falconets keep reminding us that Nigeria still has footballing pride.”

With this result, the Falconets take an early lead in the WAFU Zone B U-20 Girls Tournament, as they continue their pursuit of regional glory and another continental statement of intent.

🎥 Watch highlights (including Nigeria’s spectacular 3rd goal directly from a corner kick):
YouTube: Falconets 3–1 Ghana Highlights