Flying Eagles Triumph Over Ivory Coast in WAFU B U-20 Semi

On Wednesday, the Flying Eagles reached the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship by defeating hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw following extra time. The match began with Ivory Coast taking the lead in the 17th minute through Namory Keita.

Despite early pressure from the Ivorians, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani made crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game. The Flying Eagles equalized in the 67th minute with a header from captain Habila Simeon.

The match proceeded to extra time after neither team scored in regulation. Nigeria initially took the lead in extra time with a goal from Aliyu Abubakar in the 93rd minute, but Ivory Coast equalized before the end of the additional period.

The penalty shootout saw Lawani save two penalties, leading Nigeria to a 4-3 victory and securing their spot in the final, where they aim to retain their WAFU B U-20 title and qualify for the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations.