Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced a spirited comeback to defeat hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, securing a place in the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and qualifying for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The defending champions on Wednesday showed remarkable resilience after trailing in the first half before recovering to force the game into a penalty shootout, where they held their nerve to keep their title defence alive. Blueprint reports

The victory also ensured Nigeria secured one of the qualifying tickets for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Hosts take first half lead

Playing before their home supporters, Côte d’Ivoire made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute.

The hosts capitalised on sustained pressure around Nigeria’s penalty area, with the decisive move ending in a well-taken finish from inside the box after the Flying Eagles failed to clear the danger.

The goal gave the Ivorians confidence as they continued to threaten, while Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities before the interval.

At halftime, Aliyu Zubairu’s side faced the prospect of an early exit from the regional tournament and missing out on qualification for the continental championship.

Flying Eagles respond

Nigeria returned from the break with renewed determination, taking greater control of possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser.

The Flying Eagles increased the tempo, forcing the Ivorian defence into a series of crucial interventions as they searched for a route back into the contest.

Their persistence eventually paid off as they found the equaliser, restoring parity and shifting the momentum in Nigeria’s favour.

Despite creating further opportunities, neither side could find the winning goal before the end of regulation time, sending the semifinal into a penalty shootout.

Nigeria hold nerve from the spot

With a place in the final and qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations at stake, both teams approached the shootout with caution.

The Flying Eagles displayed remarkable composure from the penalty spot, converting four of their spot kicks.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper also played a decisive role by denying one of the Ivorian efforts, while another miss by the hosts handed the Flying Eagles a 4-3 victory in the shootout.

The dramatic triumph sparked celebrations among the Nigerian players and technical crew as they sealed their place in the tournament final.

Ticket to AFCON secured

Beyond reaching the final, the victory guarantees Nigeria’s qualification for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, where the Flying Eagles will seek to extend their impressive record on the continent.

The qualification also keeps alive Nigeria’s ambition of securing a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup through a successful campaign at the continental tournament.

Focus shifts to the final

The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the championship final as they aim to successfully defend the WAFU B title.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu will be encouraged by his team’s resilience and fighting spirit after recovering from an early setback against the hosts.

The dramatic semifinal victory further underlines Nigeria’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading youth football nations, with the Flying Eagles once again demonstrating their ability to deliver under pressure.

With confidence boosted by their comeback against Côte d’Ivoire, the seven-time African champions will head into the final determined to lift another regional title before beginning preparations for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.