Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out following a gripping 2-2 draw after extra time on Wednesday.
The hosts made a bright start and dominated much of the opening half, taking the lead in the 17th minute through Namory Keita after sustained attacking pressure. Nigeria goalkeeper Clinton Lawani had already produced a series of important saves to keep his side in the contest before eventually being beaten.
Ivory Coast continued to control possession and dictated the pace of the game, while the Flying Eagles struggled to create meaningful opportunities before the interval.
Nigeria returned from the break with greater urgency and found an equaliser in the 67th minute. Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home from a long throw, bringing the Flying Eagles back into the contest.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the semi-final proceeded to extra time.
The Flying Eagles took the lead early in the additional period when Aliyu Abubakar glanced a header into the net in the 93rd minute to put Nigeria 2-1 ahead.
However, the hosts responded before the end of the first period of extra time, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to restore parity and force the contest into a penalty shoot-out.
Lawani proved decisive from the spot, saving two penalties as Nigeria triumphed 4-3 to book their place in the final.
The victory keeps the Flying Eagles on course to defend their WAFU B U-20 title and strengthens their bid to qualify for next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
