Flying Eagles Survive Penalty Drama To Reach WAFU-B U20 Final
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties in a gripping semi-final on Wednesday evening.
The two West African rivals produced an absorbing contest that finished 2-2 after extra time. Côte d’Ivoire started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 16th minute when Kaita found the net. Nigeria goalkeeper Clinton Lawani then produced several important saves to keep his side in the match before half-time.
The Flying Eagles returned with better urgency after the break and levelled in the 67th minute. Captain Habila Simeon rose to head home from a well-delivered cross, making it 1-1 after sustained pressure from the Nigerians.
With the score still locked at the end of regulation time, the match went into extra time. Aliyu Abubakar put Nigeria ahead at 2-1 early in the additional period. Gift Subi came close to adding a third after a fine individual run but shot wide. Côte d’Ivoire hit back before the end of the first half of extra time to restore parity at 2-2.
Neither side could force a winner in the remaining minutes, sending the semi-final to a penalty shootout. Nigeria held their nerve from the spot to win 4-3 and advance to the final.
The victory keeps the Flying Eagles on course to defend their WAFU B U20 title and also confirms their qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
