Rabiu Ali scored a stunning first half goal which was sufficient enough for the Super Eagles B team to beat the ten man Squirrels of Benin Republic 1-0 in the first semi -final game of the ongoing WAFU Cup.
Ali combined nicely with Anthony Okpotu before firing a low shot into the net of Benin Republic ten minutes into the clash, which was a repeat of the CHAN Qualifiers clash edged by Nigeria 2-1 on aggregate.
Benin Republic quest to level scores and subsequently avenge the loss they suffered in the CHAN Qualifiers suffered a set back when they had a player sent off for a clear dive.
Nigeria dominated the second half of the game with Okpotu, Afeez Aremu and Samuel Matthias all coming close to increasing Nigeria’s lead.
Tried as they could they couldn’t add more goals to the scoreline, but it still was enough to secure their progress to the final match, where they will take on the winner of the second semi final to be contested by host Ghana against Niger Republic.
The final match is slated for Sunday, and the CHAN Eagles are heading into the game as firm favourite to lift the trophy as they are yet to concede a goal in the four games they have played in the run up to the final.
Osas Mahawi
