WAFU U-17: 10-man Eaglets beat Niger 1-0

The Golden Eaglets defeated Niger 1-0 in a gritty match to earn their first win in the WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON qualifiers, following their goalless draw with Burkina Faso on Thursday.

Two changes were made to the starting lineup for the match against Burkina Faso by coach Manu Garba: Abdul Muiz Adeleke and Oreoluwa Agbenla received their first starts.

Garba's adjustments nearly paid off right away as Adeleke had the first opportunity of the game, but the reigning champs were unable to take advantage of it.

Four minutes later, Rapha Adams sent a lovely cross into the danger zone, but no one connected, and the Eaglets lost another fantastic opportunity.
Niger had a chance to test the Eaglets' custodian in the 27th minute, but their shot struck the crossbar, giving Nigeria a nervous moment.

The Eaglets needed to wake up after that tense moment.

Adams gave Nigeria their first tournament victory with a strong header in the 31st minute.

Seven minutes later, the striker had a chance to double the lead, but he pulled it wide to keep the score 1-0 going into the half.

Similar to how they ended the first half, Adams and Adeleke threatened to score for Nigeria but were unable to hit the back of the net.

The task for Garba's boys was made even harder when Okorie Chibuike was sent off in the 63rd minute, reducing them to 10 men.

In the 73rd minute, Niger had a chance to score from a corner kick, but the header that resulted was not in the goal.

With the win, the five-time world champions now have four points, the same as Burkina Faso, ahead of the final Group B games on Wednesday. At the University of Accra Stadium, Burkina Faso will play three-point shooter Niger Republic, while the Eaglets will play group whipping boys Togo.

The Eaglets' trip to the tournament's semi-finals is certain with a draw against the Togolese team on Wednesday.

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