Flying Eagles Aim to Seal Last-Four Place at WAFU B U20 Championship

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will look to secure an early place in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship when they take on Togo’s Sparrow Hawks in their second Group B match on Thursday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

The defending champions head into the encounter full of confidence after an impressive 4-2 victory over arch-rivals Ghana on Monday, a result that sent them to the top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who defeated Togo 3-1 in the other opening fixture.

A second consecutive victory would move Nigeria onto six points and guarantee a place in the last four before Sunday’s highly anticipated group decider against Burkina Faso. For Togo, however, anything less than a positive result would leave the Sparrow Hawks on the brink of elimination.

The Flying Eagles’ attacking quality was on full display against Ghana, with Muiz Adeleke converting two penalties, while Olayemi Ayinla and Lucky Oraro also found the net. Ghana replied through captain Kelvin Nkrumah from the penalty spot and Mohammed Zaidan, but Nigeria held on to make the perfect start to the defence of their title.

Head coach Abdu Maikaba will be demanding another disciplined performance from his side as they continue their quest not only to retain the WAFU B crown but also to secure qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.