Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have been crowned WAFU Zone B Champions after completing the 2025 tournament in Benin Republic without losing a single match. They sealed their unbeaten campaign with a 1-0 victory over hosts Benin at the Omnisport Stadium in Adjohoun on Wednesday.
Under coach Moses Aduku, the Falconets displayed remarkable consistency and dominance, finishing the tournament with a perfect 12 points from four matches. The team’s performance ensured they had already claimed the title before the final game but maintained their high standards throughout.
The winning goal in the final came in the 16th minute from Ramotalahi Kareem, the tournament’s top scorer. Kareem received a precise through ball, maneuvered past her marker, and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to secure the narrow victory. Despite strong pressure from Benin in the second half, Nigeria’s defense held firm.
Overall statistics highlight the Falconets’ superiority: they scored 10 goals and conceded just one in the tournament. Individual accolades reflected their strong performance, with Ramotalahi Kareem finishing as top scorer with four goals and midfielder Kafayat Mafisere earning Woman of the Match in the final for her tireless display.
Earlier matches in the tournament reinforced Nigeria’s dominance, including two 3-0 victories over Ghana and a 3-0 win against Benin. While Ghana’s Sarah Nyarko claimed the tournament’s Best Player award, Nigeria’s unbeaten run demonstrates the depth of talent in the country’s women’s football development system.
The Falconets’ triumph not only confirms their regional dominance but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming international challenges, signaling a bright future for Nigerian women’s football.
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