WAFU U-20: Flying Eagles set up Burkina Faso final
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties to qualify for the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship on Wednesday night.
The pulsating semi final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, making the penalty shootout inevitable. The hosts started on the front foot and controlled the tempo from kickoff.
They came close to an early opener twice in the 12th and 14th minutes, but Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was alert and kept Nigeria in the game.
The pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Côte d’Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The Flying Eagles pushed for an equaliser before half-time with more urgency, but the Ivorian defence held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
Goalkeeper Lawani continued to be Nigeria’s hero in the second half. In the 59th minute, he produced a brilliant save to parry away a dangerous corner that looked destined to be the second goal.
Both teams traded attacks as Nigeria chased an equaliser and the hosts sought to double their lead.
The breakthrough for Nigeria came in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to nod in a pull-out and level the score at 1-1.
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Despite several chances created by both sides, no further goal came, and the game went into extra time at 1-1. Extra time brought more drama.
Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 in the third minute of the first period of extra time.
Gift Subi almost made it 3-1 in the 100th minute after a brilliant solo run, but his shot went wide.
Côte d’Ivoire responded immediately and levelled it at 2-2 before the end of the first half of extra time.
The scoreline remained 2-2 at the end of extra time, forcing the tie to penalties. From the spot, the Flying Eagles held their nerve and won 4-3.
The Flying Eagles will face Burkina Faso in the final on Sunday for a chance to retain the trophy and to also qualify for the U-20 Nations Cup.
The Young Stallions defeated Niger Republic 2-0 after extra time to set up a final clash with Nigeria.
