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Flying Eagles Show Nerves of Steel to Sink Hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Storm WAFU B U-20 Final

Posted : 06 August 2026

Nigeria's Flying Eagles produced a spirited comeback before prevailing in a tense penalty shootout to defeat hosts Côte d'Ivoire 4-3 and secure a place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

The enthralling semifinal ended 2-2 after extra time, with goalkeeper Clinton Lawani emerging as one of Nigeria's standout performers before the Flying Eagles kept their composure from the penalty spot to seal victory.

The Young Elephants dominated the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead in the 16th minute through Kaita after Lawani had already denied the hosts on two occasions.

Nigeria struggled to break down the Ivorian defence before the interval and went into the break trailing 1-0.

The Flying Eagles returned with greater purpose in the second half, although Lawani was again called into action in the 59th minute, producing another outstanding save to keep his side within touching distance.

Nigeria's persistence paid off in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home the equaliser and force the contest back onto level terms.

With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match headed into extra time, where Aliyu Abubakar fired the Flying Eagles into a 2-1 lead in the 93rd minute.

Gift Subi came close to extending Nigeria's advantage seven minutes later after a brilliant solo run, but his effort drifted wide before Côte d'Ivoire responded with another equaliser to make it 2-2.

The deadlock remained unbroken after 120 minutes, sending the contest to penalties.

Nigeria held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their spot-kicks to claim a 4-3 victory and book a place in the final.

The win moves the defending champions within one victory of retaining the WAFU B U-20 title while also strengthening their bid to qualify for next year's U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flying Eagles will now shift their focus to the final, where they will aim to complete a successful title defence with another disciplined performance. Their resilience against the hosts demonstrated the team's character and determination to remain champions.

 

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