Friday, 14 November 2025

Dominance Redefined: Falconets Sweep Benin to Claim the Throne!

The Falconets produced a commanding and unforgettable campaign in Benin Republic as they emerged champions of the WAFU Zone B U-20 Women’s Championship, completing the tournament with a perfect record. Across four matches, Nigeria won all four, scored ten goals, and conceded only one, an achievement that underscored their dominance from start to finish.

Their journey opened with a strong victory over Ghana, a match where Nigeria’s quality immediately shone through. The Falconets found the goals they needed through a combination of sharp finishing and intelligent buildup play, establishing early momentum in the tournament. What stood out from this opening fixture was how quickly the team settled into rhythm, pressing Ghana high and converting their chances with composure. The result set the tone for what would become a flawless campaign.

Next came the first meeting with hosts Benin Republic, where the Falconets delivered a confident 3-0 performance. This win demonstrated the team's balance: the attack remained fluid and dangerous, while the defensive structure looked assured and in control. Nigeria created opportunities with ease and converted them efficiently, reflecting the players’ understanding and the technical superiority that separated them from their opponents.

The third match, another encounter against Ghana, became the decisive moment of the tournament. Nigeria delivered a commanding 3-0 victory that mathematically sealed the championship with one match still to play. It was a complete performance: disciplined defending, creativity in midfield, and clinical finishing. This win confirmed that the Falconets were not only the best team in the competition but also the most consistent and mentally strong.

The final fixture against Benin Republic served as the perfect finishing touch. A first-half strike from Ramotalahi Kareem earned Nigeria a professional 1-0 win, capping an unbeaten run and completing a perfect four-match sweep. With that goal, Kareem also secured her place as the top scorer of the tournament, finishing with four goals.

Across the competition, Nigeria’s goals came from a reliable group of attacking talents. Ramotalahi Kareem led the scoring with four goals, including the decisive winner in the final and a brace in one of the earlier matches against Benin. Janet Akekoromowei and Alaba Olabiyi both scored important goals in the victories over Ghana, consistently contributing to Nigeria’s early breakthroughs in key moments. Precious Oscar added another goal in the 3-0 win over Benin, rounding out Nigeria’s tournament tally of ten goals. Each of these scorers delivered at least one impactful moment that influenced Nigeria's march to the title.

At the heart of the team’s stability was their ability to keep games controlled from midfield. Kafayat Oluwatosin Mafisere was particularly influential, delivering a standout performance in the final match where she was named Woman of the Match. Her role in breaking up play, sustaining pressure, and linking defence to attack ensured that Nigeria dictated the tempo throughout the tournament.

Behind the midfield, goalkeeper Christiana Ijeoma Uzoma anchored a disciplined defensive unit, conceding just one goal in the entire competition, an achievement that earned her the award for Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Her presence inspired confidence, allowing the Falconets to play with freedom and assertiveness in the attacking phase.

By the end of the championship, the Falconets had made their statement clear: they are the benchmark for youth women’s football in West Africa. Their perfect record, dominant performances, and individual brilliance combined to create a title run worthy of celebration. With players who showed maturity beyond their years and a collective identity built on skill, resilience, and ambition, Nigeria’s U-20 women have once again proven why they remain one of the continent’s most formidable football forces.

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