Flying Eagles Reach WAFU B U20 Final After Penalty Shootout Win

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have reached the final of the WAFU B U20 AFCON qualifying tournament after beating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties.

The match ended 2-2 after extra time before Nigeria won the shootout to book their place in the final.

Goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was the hero for the Flying Eagles, saving two penalties from the Ivorians.

Côte d’Ivoire took the lead in the 18th minute before Nigeria captain Habila Simeon equalised in the 68th minute.

It was the first goal Côte d’Ivoire had conceded in the tournament after keeping clean sheets against Benin and Niger.

Nigeria then took the lead in the first half of extra time when Abubakar Aliyu scored.

However, the hosts fought back and equalised in added time to make it 2-2.

Neither side could find a winning goal in the remaining minutes, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Simeon missed Nigeria’s first penalty when his effort hit the post, but Lawani made up for it with two important saves to send the Flying Eagles into the final.

The defending champions will face the winners of the second semi-final between Niger and Burkina Faso.

The final will also decide the team that qualifies for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.