Flying Eagles Beat Côte d’Ivoire on Penalties to Reach WAFU B U20 Championship Final
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time on Wednesday evening.
The semi-final clash was packed with drama from the opening whistle as the Young Elephants dominated the early exchanges.
Nigeria goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was called into action several times in the opening stages, making two important saves before eventually being beaten in the 16th minute when Kaita finished clinically to hand the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Flying Eagles responded with greater urgency after the interval but continued to rely on Lawani, who produced another outstanding save in the 59th minute to deny Côte d’Ivoire from extending their advantage.
Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home the equaliser and restore parity at 1-1.
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the contest moved into extra time. Nigeria struck first through Aliyu Abubakar, who gave the Flying Eagles a 2-1 lead in the opening minutes of the additional period.
Gift Subi came close to extending the advantage moments later after an impressive solo run, but his effort drifted wide before the hosts fought back to level the score at 2-2, setting up a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Flying Eagles kept their composure from the spot, converting four penalties to defeat Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 and seal their place in the championship final.
The victory keeps Nigeria on course to successfully defend the WAFU B U20 title and also secures qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournament’s finalists earning places at the continental championship.
