Nigeria’s national U-20 team, Falconets, inched closer to qualification to their fourth appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup by beating rivals Ghana 3-2 on Friday in the first leg clash of the final round qualifiers.

A five-star performance by Nigeria in the second half ensured they came back to cancel a two goal lead taken by the Ghanaians in the first session.

Striker Anita Amankwah gave the Ghanaians the lead after nine minutes by connecting home from close range before captain Diana Ankomah made it two on the half hour mark with a spectacular volley.

Substitute Orji Ebere reduced the deficit for the Falconets on 66 minutes from a goal mouth action before Sarah Michael secured the much desired equalizer five minutes from time.

Rebecca Kalu stunned the sparse crowd at the El-Wak Stadium two minutes later with a third goal by connecting Rita Chikwelu cross, after the latter had weaved through the Ghanaian defence.

Nigeria hosts the second leg on the weekend of June 13-15 with the winner clinching one of Africa’s tickets to the fourth edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled for Chile later in the year.

South Africa hosts DR Congo in the other fixture on Saturday.