Eagles edge Squirrels, to face Black Stars in WAFU Cup final

Home-based Super Eagles defeated 10-man Squirrels of Benin 1-0 to qualify for the final of the 2017 West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations on Thursday.

The Eagles are coming out on top over their Beninoise counterparts a second time in less than two months, as they had eliminated them in the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Kano Pillars’ Rabiu Ali made the difference with a first-half goal in the semi-final game played at the Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana to help Nigeria grab the first final ticket.

With two draws and two wins in the tournament so far, the Nigerian men have not conceded a goal and have netted three against their opponents, as they prepare for the final match.

Read also: Home Eagles battle Benin Squirrels for WAFU Cup final spot

In the other semi-final match played later on Thursday, hosts Ghana secured a 2-0 win against Niger Republic to set up a final clash with the Super Eagles.

A 31st minute goal by Kwame Kizito and another in the 78th minute by Stephen Sarfo spurred Ghana to the win.

The Eagles had earlier faced the Black Stars in the group stages, where they came out 2-0 winners to advance to the semi-finals.

Salisu Yusuf’s men will be hoping to repeat that feat in Sunday’s final.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic and Niger Republic will play in the third-place match on Saturday.

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