Flying Eagles edge Côte d’Ivoire on penalties to reach WAFU B U-20 final

Nigeria's Flying Eagles secured a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, advancing to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship. The thrilling semi-final match ended 2-2 after extra time, with goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerging as the Nigerian hero.

Côte d’Ivoire started brightly, taking the lead in the 18th minute after dominating the early exchanges. This goal marked the end of the Ivorians' streak of clean sheets in the tournament. Nigeria fought back in the second half, with captain Habila Simeon leveling the score in the 68th minute with a header, making it 1-1.

The Flying Eagles took the lead for the first time in the match during the first half of extra time, thanks to a goal from Abubakar Aliyu. However, the determined hosts equalized deep into added time of extra time, forcing the decisive penalty shootout.

Despite missing Nigeria's second penalty, goalkeeper Clinton proved instrumental, saving two Ivorian spot-kicks. His crucial saves ultimately propelled the seven-time African champions into the championship match, continuing their legacy in the tournament.