Falconets thrash Ghana 3–1 in WAFU-B U-20 cup opener
— Nigeria tops Group A, faces Benin Republic next

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, kicked off their campaign at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Girls’ Cup on a winning note, defeating Ghana’s Black Princesses 3–1 on Saturday in Benin Republic.

Head coach Moses Aduku fielded a strong starting lineup, with Taiwo Afolabi returning to the squad after featuring for the Super Falcons in recent World Cup qualifiers. Janet Akekoromowei and Precious Oscar also made the starting XI, while captain Joy Igbokwe marshalled the midfield.

The first half lived up to the billing of a fierce West African derby, with both sides battling for control. Nigeria, however, broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after a Ghanaian defender handled the ball inside the box.

Akekoromowei calmly converted from the penalty spot to hand the Falconets the lead. The midfielder doubled Nigeria’s advantage immediately after the restart, showing fine composure to chip over Ghana’s goalkeeper Grace Andoh from close range.

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Ghana reduced the deficit four minutes later through Sarah Nyarko, who finished from close range to make it 2–1. Despite Ghana’s pressure, the Falconets’ defence stood firm to repel several attacks.

Nigeria sealed victory in the 88th minute when Favour Chiamaka’s in-swinging corner deceived the Ghanaian goalkeeper and sailed into the net for a third goal.

The 3–1 win puts Nigeria at the top of Group A. The Falconets will face hosts Benin Republic next before meeting Ghana again on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

The 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Girls’ Cup, which began on Friday, features only three teams — Nigeria, Ghana, and hosts Benin Republic — and will conclude on Wednesday.

The tournament serves as a vital platform for identifying emerging talents and preparing national youth squads for future CAF and FIFA competitions.

Falconets thrash Ghana 3–1 in WAFU-B U-20 cup opener

De Ligt’s late strike earns Manchester United dramatic draw at Tottenham

Manchester United snatched a dramatic 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from defender Matthijs de Ligt deep into stoppage time.

In a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, United looked set to return to winning ways after Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half header gave them control. The winger met Amad Diallo’s precise cross to nod past Spurs goalkeeper and silence the home crowd.

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced a string of fine saves to keep out efforts from Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as Tottenham pushed hard after the break.

The hosts eventually levelled six minutes from time when substitute Mathys Tel, who was earlier booed upon his introduction for Xavi Simons, turned sharply inside the box and fired past Lammens to make it 1–1.

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Moments later, the stadium erupted again when Richarlison flicked in Wilson Odobert’s long-range effort to give Tottenham a 2–1 lead, seemingly sealing a comeback victory.

However, in the final minute of added time, United threw everyone forward for a corner — including goalkeeper Lammens. The ball fell kindly to De Ligt, who fired home from a tight angle to secure a valuable point for Ruben Amorim’s men.

The dramatic equaliser left both sets of players stunned. Richarlison was visibly distraught, having thought his late strike would deliver victory, while Amorim expressed relief after seeing his side salvage something from a game they nearly lost control of.

The result denied Tottenham their first home win in three games and extended United’s unbeaten run under Amorim, in what was one of the most thrilling finishes of the Premier League season so far.

De Ligt’s late strike earns Manchester United dramatic draw at Tottenham

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie nominated for 2025 FIFA best goalkeeper award

Zurich — Nigeria’s Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award, following an outstanding season for both club and country.

FIFA announced the nominees on Thursday while opening the global voting process for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. Fans worldwide can now cast their votes via the official FIFA app to decide the winners in various categories, including Best Player, Coach, and Goalkeeper.

Nnadozie joins a competitive shortlist that includes Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Cata Coll (Spain), Christiane Endler (Chile), Hannah Hampton (England), Anna Moorhouse (England), and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA).

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The 24-year-old earned her place among the elite after an exceptional 2024/25 campaign, during which she captained her former club Paris FC to victory in the Coupe de France Féminine — the club’s first major title in nearly two decades.

Nnadozie also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco earlier this year, where she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Since joining Brighton & Hove Albion Women in England, the shot-stopper has maintained top form, further earning recognition with a fourth-place finish in the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy rankings at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

She is also among the leading contenders for the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, which would mark her third continental title in that category.

Voting for The Best FIFA Football Awards closes on November 28, with the winners set to be unveiled during an official ceremony early next year.

Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie nominated for 2025 FIFA best goalkeeper award