Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday evening.
The highly entertaining contest ended 2-2 after extra time, with the two West African rivals unable to be separated over 120 minutes. The Ivorians made a bright start and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Kaita found the back of the net to hand the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead after several early chances. Nigeria goalkeeper Clinton Lawani produced a series of impressive saves to keep his side in the contest before the break.
The Flying Eagles emerged with renewed determination in the second half and eventually drew level in the 67th minute. Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home from a well-delivered cross, cancelling out Côte d’Ivoire’s opener after sustained pressure from the Nigerian side.
With the score locked at 1-1 after regulation time, the match headed into extra time. Aliyu Abubakar gave Nigeria a 2-1 advantage in the opening minutes of the additional period, while Gift Subi came close to extending the lead but fired wide after an impressive solo effort. However, the hosts responded before the interval of extra time to restore parity at 2-2.
Neither side could find a winner in the remaining minutes, sending the contest to a penalty shootout. The Flying Eagles kept their composure from the spot to claim a 4-3 victory and secure their place in the championship final.
The win keeps Nigeria on course to successfully defend the WAFU B U20 title and also seals qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Flying Eagles now set to battle for the regional crown in the final.
