Nigeria’s U20 team, Flying Eagles, defeated the Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire on penalties to book their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship on Wednesday evening, www.aclsports.com reports.
The pulsating semi-final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, before Abdu Maikaba’s boys triumphed 4-3 on penalties at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro to reach another final at this level.
It was a game expected to be keenly contested, and it lived up to its billing as the hosts quickly seized control to go in front. Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani kept Nigeria in the game with some fine stops in the opening quarter. However, the pressure eventually told when Côte d’Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.
Nigeria went into the break behind and needed some inspiration in the second half to get back into the game. The Ivorians, who had not conceded before this game, continued to keep the Eagles’ attack at bay as Goalkeeper Lawani continued to be Nigeria’s hero in the second half.
After much pressure, Nigeria eventually found themselves level minutes after the hour mark. Midfielder Oraro Lucky’s long throw-in was headed home by Captain Habila Simeon – another set-piece goal for Abdu Maikaba’s side. Despite several chances created by both sides, no further goal came, and the game went into extra time at 1-1.
Extra time produced even more drama as the Flying Eagles regained the lead in the 93rd minute through Aliyu Abubakar, making it 2-1 from another Oraro missile. Seven minutes later, Gift Subi came close to extending the advantage after a superb solo run, but he dragged his effort wide. Côte d’Ivoire responded swiftly, restoring parity at 2-2 before the first half of extra time ended.
The game finished 2-2 at the end of extra time, meaning penalties would be needed to decide who would be reaching the final. Having missed first, goalkeeper Clinton Lawani saved two spot-kicks to steer the Flying Eagles to a 4-3 win, with Abdoulaye Agbejoye scoring the winning spot-kick.
The victory booked Nigeria’s place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will look to successfully defend their title and secure qualification for next year’s U20 AFCON in Ghana.
