Nigeria 0 Ivory Coast 1: Flying Eagles lose Wafu B U20 Boys Cup final after goalkeeper's howler

Nigeria's Flying Eagles were edged 1-0 by the Ivory Coast in the final of the Wafu B U20 Boys Cup on Wednesday night, with a late goal from Zakaria Tindano sealing the title for the Ivorians.

In a tense and closely contested match, both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.

Nigeria created the first real threat when Muhammed Muhammed tested the Ivorian goalkeeper with a low shot from outside the box, which was comfortably gathered.

Moments later, Nigeria came close again through Muhammed Abdullahi, whose effort rattled the crossbar after Bameyi nodded down an inviting free-kick from Okoro.

The Flying Eagles looked dangerous, with Muhammed Muhammed nearly finding the net once more, but his attempt from a tight angle failed to beat the Ivorian keeper.

As the half wore on, Ivory Coast grew into the game and ended the opening 45 minutes as the stronger side.

A powerful strike from distance nearly broke the deadlock, narrowly missing the target despite Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt’s full-stretch dive.

The Flying Eagles resumed the second half with attacking intent. In the 59th minute, Oliseh almost stunned the Ivorian keeper with a sharp effort at the near post, but the shot was well saved.

Just a minute later, Ivory Coast responded with a flurry of chances, but Harcourt made three crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game.

In the 70th minute, Bameyi made a vital block inside the box to deny the Ivorians an opening goal, maintaining the deadlock as the match approached its conclusion.

However, heartbreak struck for Nigeria in added time.

A blunder from goalkeeper Harcourt gifted possession to Tindano, who smashed home the winner for Ivory Coast to spark wild celebrations on the Ivorian bench.

Adeyemi Adewale

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