Flying Eagles beat Cote d’Ivoire to pick up Egypt 2023 ticket and final clash against Benin Republic

Nigeria’s U-20 male football team, Flying Eagles have booked their tickets to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt after securing a 2-1 extra-time win against Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing WAFU B Tourney on Tuesday.

The boys fought tooth and nail to book a final clash against the Benin Republic and a ticket to the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria drew the first blood as early as the 5th minute through FC One Rocket’s Daniel Daga but the Ivorians pulled back before the break through Seydou Troare.

At the end of the second 45 minutes, there was not much separating both teams and we headed for the extra time just as the first semifinal between the 10-man Benin Republic and Burkina Faso.

During the second half of the extra time, Gombe United’s forward, Ibrahim Yahaya converted a penalty that would seal the 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles.

Worthy of mention is the heroics of Water FC goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu, who made a critical save each half of the extra time to keep the Flying Eagles on.

Nigeria will now play the Benin Republic in the final while Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso fight for the Bronze.

Both Nigeria and the Benin Republic will participate in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, already scheduled for 18th February – 12th March of 2023.