The Nigerian female U-20 team, the Falconets, faced heartbreak as their quest for gold at the 13th African Games came crashing down in a 1-2 defeat to the Black Princesses of Ghana in the final on Thursday night.
The Falconets initially seized the lead through Loveth Edeh’s opportunistic strike, capitalising on a goalkeeping error by Ghana’s Afi Amenyeku.
However, the resilient Black Princesses fought back, with Tracy Twum levelling the scoreline, forcing the game into extra time.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance in the first half, with Loveth Edeh finding the net to give her team the edge, Ghana refused to concede defeat.
In a spirited display, the hosts rallied in the second half, culminating in Twum’s sublime equaliser in the 78th minute. The deadlock persisted into extra time, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
In the decisive moments, it was Ghana’s Mukarama Abdulai who etched her name into the annals of African football glory.
With a moment of brilliance, Abdulai unleashed a sensational long-range effort, securing victory for the Black Princesses and igniting scenes of jubilation among the home crowd.
The defeat proved a bitter pill for Nigeria, which had harboured aspirations of retaining their title as defending champions.
Despite their valiant effort, they were forced to settle for silver, while Uganda clinched the bronze medal, rounding off the podium.
Player Ratings:
Nigeria: Faith Omilana (6), Jumoke Alani (7), Shukurat Oladipo (6), Oluwabunmi Oladeji (7), Chidera Okenwa (6), Adoo Yina (6), Loveth Edeh (8), Delight Isaac (6), Adaobi Okah (7), Chioma Olise (6), Blessing Okpe (6).
Substitutions: Anderline Mgbechi (4), Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (3).
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