Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 in a penalty shootout yesterday to secure a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, after a 2-2 draw through extra time.
Hosts take early control
Côte d’Ivoire made the brighter start and created two openings in the 12th and 14th minutes. Nigeria goalkeeper Clinton Lawani denied both efforts before the hosts finally broke through four minutes later, when Kaita gave Côte d’Ivoire a 1-0 advantage.
The home side carried that lead into the interval, although Nigeria finished the first half with greater attacking pressure.
Nigeria forces extra time
- Lawani kept Nigeria in the contest again in the 59th minute, using his hands to push away a threatening corner.
- The Flying Eagles equalised in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon headed a pull-back into the net for 1-1.
- Neither team could find a winner before the end of the 90 minutes, meaning the semi-final went into extra time.
Extra-time drama and penalties
Nigeria moved in front three minutes into the additional period through Aliyu Abubakar. Gift Subi then came close to extending the advantage in the 100th minute, but his effort went wide after a solo attack.
Côte d’Ivoire responded before the end of the first extra-time period to restore parity at 2-2. The deadlock remained intact until the final whistle, setting up a shootout.
The Flying Eagles converted enough of their penalties to prevail 4-3 and advance to Sunday’s final.
Title defence and continental stakes
Nigeria will now attempt to retain the championship crown it currently holds. Sunday’s decider also carries added importance, as the final will determine qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
