F’Eagles coach Maikaba eyes victory against Burkina Faso

Nigeria's Flying Eagles are set to compete for the WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship title against Burkina Faso in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. Coach Abdu Maikaba and defender Musa Wahab have expressed their determination to secure a victory in Sunday's final.

The Nigerian U-20 side reached the final after a hard-fought penalty shootout win against Ivory Coast in the semi-finals, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. "We are preparing, and we are trying our best to play as a team," stated defender Musa Wahab. "We are happy and calm. We are hoping for nothing but a win."

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We are preparing, and we are trying our best to play as a team. We are happy and calm. We are hoping for nothing but a win.

This final presents an opportunity for Nigeria to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in the group stage. Coach Maikaba sees this as a chance for redemption. "I think this is an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves having lost to Burkina Faso in the group stage," he said. "Having played them before, we now have an idea of their shape and structure, and we are working on how to capitalise on their weaknesses, while also consolidating on our own strength."

The match is significant not only for the championship title but also as a qualifier for the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations. The winner and the runner-up from the WAFU B zone will secure spots in the continental finals alongside hosts Ghana. Nigeria, the defending champions, aim to retain the trophy they won in Lome in October 2024.

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I think this is an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves having lost to Burkina Faso in the group stage. Having played them before, we now have an idea of their shape and structure, and we are working on how to capitalise on their weaknesses, while also consolidating on our own strength.