Flying Eagles Aim for Early Semi-Final Spot Against Sparrow Hawks

The Nigeria U20 team, Flying Eagles, sought an early passage to the semi-finals of the WAFU B U20 Championship on July 29, 2026, set in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. They faced the Sparrow Hawks of Togo in their second group phase match. Following a convincing 4-2 victory over Ghana, the reigning champions topped Group B on goal difference, ahead of Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions, who defeated the Sparrow Hawks 3-1 in the earlier match.

In a bid to secure a spot in the semi-finals before a critical match against the Stallions on Sunday, the Flying Eagles looked for another win, knowing a victory would ensure their advancement. Meanwhile, the Sparrow Hawks aimed for a result to keep their hopes alive for continuing in the tournament.

In the previous match against Ghana, Muiz Adeleke scored two goals from the penalty spot, while Olayemi Ayinla and Lucky Oraro added one goal each. Ghana managed to score also from the penalty spot through their captain, Kelvin Nkrumah, who also assisted Mohammed Zaidan in their first goal.

Coach Abdu Maikaba recognized the significance of the Thursday encounter, emphasizing that the Cup-holders could not afford any missteps as they pursued qualification for the next year's U20 Africa Cup of Nations, to take place in Ghana. A victory on Thursday would give Nigeria six points going into their decisive match with the Young Stallions.