Flying Eagles Edge Cote d’Ivoire to Set up B’Faso Final

Nigeria's U20 team, the Flying Eagles, secured a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over host nation Côte d’Ivoire to advance to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship. They are set to face Burkina Faso in the championship game, a repeat of an earlier Group B encounter which Burkina Faso won 2-0.

Burkina Faso reached the final by defeating Niger 2-0 after extra time. Nigeria's path to the final was hard-fought, with the match against Côte d’Ivoire tied at 2-2 after extra time, necessitating the penalty shootout. The Flying Eagles are the defending champions, having won the 2024 edition of the tournament by beating Ghana 2-1.

The hosts started strongly, controlling the tempo and taking a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute through Kaita. Despite Nigeria's increased urgency before halftime, the Ivorian defense held firm. Goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was instrumental in keeping Nigeria in the game, making crucial saves in the second half.

Nigeria found their equalizer in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon headed home a pull-out to level the score at 1-1. The game remained tied through the end of regulation time, leading to extra time. Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 early in the first period of extra time, but Côte d’Ivoire quickly responded to make it 2-2 before the end of the half.

With the score level at 2-2 after extra time, the match proceeded to penalties, where the Flying Eagles ultimately prevailed 4-3. This victory ensures Nigeria's participation in the final, where they will aim to retain their title and secure qualification for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations.