Flying Eagles Set Up WAFU B U20 Semi-Final Clash with Côte d'Ivoire

Posted : 04 August 2026

Nigeria's Flying Eagles will take on hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after finishing second in Group B following a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso.

Coach Abdul Maikaba's side had already secured qualification for the last four after convincing victories over Ghana and Togo in their opening two matches. However, Burkina Faso ended Nigeria's unbeaten run with a disciplined performance at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

The Young Stallions opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful header from a well-delivered corner kick. Burkina Faso doubled their advantage 13 minutes later through a spectacular long-range free-kick that left the Nigerian goalkeeper with no chance.

Nigeria attempted to fight back after the interval and enjoyed spells of possession, but they were unable to break down Burkina Faso's organised defence. The result saw the Burkinabè side finish top of Group B with seven points from three matches, while the Flying Eagles ended the group stage in second place with six points after recording two wins and one defeat.

The outcome has set up one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament, with Nigeria now facing unbeaten hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the semi-finals. The Ivorians topped Group A after winning both of their matches, collecting a maximum six points without conceding a goal.

Côte d'Ivoire opened their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Benin Republic before defeating Niger 2-0 to confirm their place at the top of the standings. The hosts have scored seven goals and kept two clean sheets, underlining their credentials as one of the favourites for the title.

Despite the defeat to Burkina Faso, Nigeria remain one of the tournament's highest-scoring teams after netting seven goals in victories over Ghana and Togo. The Flying Eagles will be hoping to rediscover that attacking form as they prepare for the crucial encounter against the hosts.

The semi-final promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two of West Africa's leading youth football nations. Côte d'Ivoire will enjoy home support, while Nigeria will rely on its experience and attacking quality in pursuit of a place in the final.

The stakes are high, as the winners will not only advance to the WAFU B U20 Championship final but will also secure qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Flying Eagles Set Up WAFU B U20 Semi-Final Clash with Côte d'Ivoire

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