WAFU B U20: Flying Eagles edge Ivory Coast to reach final

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after defeating hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time on Wednesday.

The dramatic semi-final victory keeps Nigeria’s title defence alive and also secures the seven-time African champions a place at next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Read Also: WAFU B U20: Flying Eagles battle Ivory Coast for final, AFCON ticket

Ivory Coast strike first

The hosts made a bright start and dominated the early exchanges, creating two good opportunities in the opening 15 minutes. Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani came to Nigeria’s rescue with a pair of fine saves before Côte d’Ivoire eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Kaita.

Nigeria struggled to break down the Ivorian defence before the interval, with the hosts taking a deserved 1-0 lead into halftime.

Flying Eagles fight back

The Flying Eagles returned with renewed purpose in the second half, but it was Lawani who again kept his side in contention with another outstanding save in the 59th minute.

Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home the equaliser and force the game back into level terms.

Both teams created opportunities to find a winner in regulation time, but neither could make the breakthrough as the contest headed into extra time.

Penalty drama seals final berth

The Flying Eagles took the lead for the first time in the third minute of extra time when Aliyu Abubakar fired Nigeria ahead 2-1.

Gift Subi came close to extending the advantage moments later after an impressive solo run, but his effort drifted wide before Côte d’Ivoire responded with another equaliser to make it 2-2.

With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match was settled by a penalty shootout.

Nigeria held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their penalties to secure a 4-3 victory and book a place in the WAFU B U20 Championship final.

The Flying Eagles will now aim to retain their regional title, while their place in the final also guarantees qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.