Nigeria head coach Abdul Maikaba has revealed that scoring early was a deliberate tactical ploy in his side's 4-2 victory over Ghana in their WAFU B U-20 Championship opener in Yamoussoukro on Monday.
The Flying Eagles got exactly what they planned for, finding the net within the opening five minutes to seize control of the highly anticipated Group B clash.
Maikaba disclosed that his team had targeted the first 15 minutes of the match to establish an advantage, knowing how crucial an early goal would be in such a high-stakes encounter.
"We planned for that. That we have to try and score in the opening 15 minutes. And we got it in the first 5 minutes. So we're happy," the coach said.
Despite the victory, Maikaba acknowledged the fine margins that separate the two West African rivals.
"Anytime Nigeria is playing Ghana, it's a tough game. Like I said yesterday during the press conference, it can go either way. And this game would have gone either way, but scoring first gives us that advantage," he explained.
Maikaba also praised his players' mental fortitude when Ghana pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit.
"Ghana were able to come back, but we were still determined to continue with the lead," he said, highlighting the team's composure under pressure.
The victory puts Nigeria in a commanding position in Group B as they seek to defend their WAFU B title.
Ghana, meanwhile, must quickly address their defensive frailties as they prepare for a must-win clash against Burkina Faso on Thursday. The Black Satellites will be determined to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.
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