Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will meet hosts Côte d’Ivoire tonight in the WAFU B semi-final at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, with Sunday’s final and a place at the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations both at stake.
The qualification picture has changed since the competition opened. An NFF official confirmed that, because Ghana will qualify automatically as hosts of next year’s continental tournament, only the WAFU B champions will receive the region’s qualification place. The previous expectation was that both finalists would advance. Nigeria therefore need to defeat Côte d’Ivoire, then win Sunday’s final to retain their WAFU B crown and secure their AFCON berth.
The Flying Eagles entered the semi-finals as Group B runners-up after losing 2-0 to Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions in their last group fixture. Côte d’Ivoire have enjoyed a perfect group-stage record, winning all their matches while keeping three clean sheets and scoring seven times. Nigeria coach Abdu Maikaba is expected to alter his starting line-up after the defeat by Burkina Faso.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire previously faced each other at this stage in 2024. The Flying Eagles recovered from falling behind to claim a 2-1 victory in Lomé, with Clinton Jeptha levelling before Kparobo Ariehi scored the decisive goal. Nigeria subsequently won that semi-final. The Nigerians have appeared at the last two editions, in 2022 and 2024, but they must now win the tournament to preserve both their regional title and their run of AFCON qualification.
Meanwhile, Flying Eagles players Abdulmuiz Adeleke and Alfred Odinaka were selected for the tournament’s Best XI after the group phase.
The Technical Study Group said the pair earned their places through their ability, consistency, commitment and impact during the group matches.
The semi-final schedule now takes centre stage. Nigeria will play hosts Côte d’Ivoire for a place in the final, while Burkina Faso face Niger in the other last-four match.
