Flying Eagles Beat Côte d’Ivoire on Penalties to Reach WAFU B U-20 Championship Final

Posted : 06 August 2026

Nigeria's Flying Eagles secured a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

The semi-final in Yamoussoukro was fiercely contested, with the hosts making a strong start. Côte d’Ivoire controlled the early stages and deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute, putting Nigeria under pressure for the first time in the tournament.

The Flying Eagles responded with greater attacking intent after the break. Captain Habila Simeon restored parity in the 68th minute when he headed home to make it 1-1. The goal was significant as it ended Côte d’Ivoire's perfect defensive record, with the hosts conceding for the first time in the competition.

Nigeria carried the momentum into extra time and completed the turnaround through Abubakar Aliyu. The forward found the net in the first half of extra time to give the Flying Eagles a 2-1 advantage and move them within touching distance of the final.

The hosts refused to surrender and produced a dramatic response deep into added time. Côte d’Ivoire found a late equaliser to force the contest into a penalty shootout after neither side could find a winning goal in the closing stages of extra time.

The shootout produced more tension as Nigeria captain Simeon missed the team's second penalty. Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton then emerged as the hero by saving two Côte d’Ivoire spot-kicks to swing the contest in Nigeria's favour.

The Flying Eagles converted enough of their penalties to seal a 4-3 shootout victory and book their place in the championship final. Lawani's decisive saves ensured Nigeria overcame the setback of Simeon's miss and maintained their hopes of lifting the regional title.

Coach Abdul Maikaba's side has shown resilience throughout the tournament, recovering from difficult moments in both the group stage and knockout rounds. The victory also underlines the team's character after overcoming the challenge of playing against the tournament hosts in front of a passionate home crowd.

Nigeria will now turn its attention to the final, where the Flying Eagles will aim to cap an impressive campaign by claiming the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship title.

Flying Eagles Beat Côte d’Ivoire on Penalties to Reach WAFU B U-20 Championship Final

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