Falconets rounded off their 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls Cup campaign in dominant fashion, defeating hosts Benin Republic U20 Women 1-0 in the final group fixture at Stade Omnisports d’Adjohoun.
The goal arrived in the 16th minute thanks to forward Kareem Ramotalahi, who calmly slotted home from close range after Nigeria’s early sustained pressure. The strike also marked her fourth of the tournament.
With the victory, the Falconets finished the competition with a flawless record four wins from four matches and crucially maintained a clean sheet in their last two outings.
Despite Benin’s determined fightback late on, Nigeria’s organisational discipline and composure under pressure saw them through to a successful tournament conclusion.
Editorial
For the young women of the Falconets, this tournament has been less of a competition and more of a declaration a statement that Nigerian women’s football is no longer on the periphery but stepping fully into its own light. Kareem Ramotalahi’s opener in Benin was more than a goal. It was a beacon of consistency, calm and conversion.
The squad’s run of four straight victories with the last two clean sheets reveals an internal architecture of belief and structure. Coaches speak of adaptation, mentality and unity this Nigerian team is showing them in real-time. They did not simply win; they dominated with purpose.
In a broader sense, this performance matters. The WAFU B tournament is not just a regional youth competition it is a crucible of opportunity. Players who shine here move upwards. For Nigeria’s senior female programme, moments like these are foundational futures being shaped, identities being affirmed.
Ramotalahi’s goal will be remembered, yes but it will matter more how she and her teammates build on this. The next chapter doesn’t begin with the trophy it begins with transition turning youth promise into senior influence. This win is a milestone. Now comes the climb.
Did You Know?
- Kareem Ramotalahi scored her fourth goal of the tournament in this final game, making her a standout performer at the event.
- The Falconets completed the tournament with four wins in four games, underscoring their consistency.
- They kept a clean sheet in their final two matches of the tournament, demonstrating increasing defensive maturity.
- The match was played at Stade Omnisports d’Adjohoun in Benin a neutral stadium for the hosts but one where Nigeria asserted control early.
- The WAFU B U20 Girls Cup serves as a key exposure platform for female youth players in West Africa, and Nigeria’s dominance here reflects the depth of talent in its pipeline.
