Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw in the semi-final on Wednesday.
The Nigerian U20 side survived a difficult encounter at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium after Namory Keita opened the scoring in the 17th minute as Côte d’Ivoire capitalised on their early dominance to take the lead.
The Flying Eagles struggled to impose themselves in the opening half, with the hosts controlling possession and restricting Nigeria’s attacking opportunities.
Nigeria found it difficult to create clear chances in the final third and went into the break trailing.
After the restart, Côte d’Ivoire continued to protect their advantage while Nigeria pushed forward in search of a way back into the game.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 67th minute when Habila Simeon scored the equaliser with a powerful header.
The defender connected with a long throw-in into the box and directed his effort past the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Neither team could find a winning goal during regulation time, sending the semi-final into extra time.
Nigeria started the additional period strongly as Abubakar Aliyu put the Flying Eagles ahead moments after the restart.
The forward rose highest to meet another long throw-in and produced a brilliant glancing header to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead.
However, Côte d’Ivoire fought back and levelled the match in the 104th minute after Nigeria failed to clear their lines, making it 2-2.
With no further goals in extra time, the contest was decided by a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Lawani became the hero for Nigeria, saving two spot kicks as the Flying Eagles secured a 4-3 victory.
Wale Adejumo
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