Flying Eagles beat Cote D'Ivoire on penalties, zoom into WAFU-B final
Nigeria's Flying Eagles are through to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after edging hosts Côte d'Ivoire 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling semi-final that finished 2-2 after extra time on Wednesday.
It was a contest packed with intensity, drama and resilience, as Aliyu Zubairu's side battled back twice before keeping their composure in the decisive shootout to stay on course for a successful title defence.
Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Young Elephants dominated the early exchanges and nearly took the lead on two occasions in the 12th and 14th minutes. However, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani produced two excellent saves to keep Nigeria in the game.
The pressure eventually paid off for the Ivorians in the 16th minute when Kaita calmly finished to hand the hosts a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Nigeria responded with greater urgency before the interval but struggled to break down a disciplined Ivorian defence, as Côte d'Ivoire carried their slender lead into half-time.
Lawani continued his impressive performance after the restart, producing another outstanding save in the 59th minute to deny the hosts from a dangerous set-piece. As both teams searched for the next breakthrough, Nigeria finally found a way back into the contest in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home the equaliser and make it 1-1.
Neither side could find a winner in regulation time despite creating several opportunities, sending the pulsating encounter into extra time.
The Flying Eagles struck first in the additional period, with Aliyu Abubakar firing Nigeria into a 2-1 lead just three minutes into extra time. Gift Subi came close to extending the advantage after a dazzling solo run in the 100th minute, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.
Côte d'Ivoire refused to surrender and responded before the interval of extra time, restoring parity at 2-2 to set up a tense finish.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match was settled from the penalty spot. The Flying Eagles showed remarkable composure, converting four of their spot-kicks to seal a 4-3 shootout victory.
The win sends Nigeria into the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where the Flying Eagles will bid to successfully defend their regional crown and secure qualification for next year's U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
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