Nigeria's Flying Eagles Reach WAFU B U20 Final After Penalties

In the WAFU B U20 Championship, Nigeria's U20 team, known as the Flying Eagles, qualified for the final after winning a dramatic penalty shootout against Côte d'Ivoire on Wednesday evening, August 5, 2026. The match, which took place in Yamoussoukro, ended with a score of 2-2 after extra time, leading to penalties which Nigeria won 4-3.

The semi-final match was high-intensity from the start, with Côte d'Ivoire taking an early lead in the 16th minute through Kaita. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to find an equaliser, the hosts maintained a 1-0 advantage at halftime, thanks in large part to the heroics of Nigerian goalkeeper Clinton Lawani, who made crucial saves throughout the game.

In the second half, Nigeria fought back. Captain Habila Simeon equalised in the 67th minute with a header, making the score 1-1. With neither team able to find the net in regulation time, the match progressed to extra time. During the first half of extra time, Aliyu Abubakar scored for Nigeria, giving them a 2-1 lead. However, Côte d'Ivoire responded quickly and equalised again, setting the stage for the penalty shootout.

In the tense shootout that followed, the Flying Eagles held their nerve, ultimately winning 4-3 and securing their spot in the final of the championship. They will now aim to retain their title and qualify for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations.