Flying Eagles draw with Ghana in WAFU B U20 opener

The Flying Eagles began their WAFU B U20 Boys tournament campaign with a 1-1 draw against hosts Ghana in a tense opening encounter at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram Thursday.
Ghana, seeking revenge after their loss to Nigeria in the final of the last edition held in Togo, came into the match with added motivation and intensity.
The Black Satellites dominated the early proceedings and took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through Aziz Mizbau, who finished clinically to put the home side ahead going into the break.
Nigeria responded with greater urgency after the restart and were eventually rewarded for their efforts in the 84th minute, when Abdullahi Muhammed rose highest to head home a well-delivered corner and level the scores.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the contest ended in a stalemate.
With the draw, Nigeria now need to avoid defeat in their final group game against Benin Republic on July 13 to secure a place in the semifinals of the regional tournament.