Flying Eagles head coach Abdul Maikaba is confident his side will bounce back from their recent setback at the WAFU B U-20 Championship when they face hosts Ivory Coast in Wednesday’s decisive clash for a place at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Flying Eagles were beaten 2-0 by Burkina Faso in their final group game on Sunday, missing out on the chance to top the group and setting up a semi-final clash against the hosts.
Although Maikaba’s team booked an early ticket to the knockout stage after beating Ghana and Togo in their first two games, they needed at least a draw against Burkina Faso to finish top of the group and secure a more favourable semi-final pairing.
However, they will face hosts Ivory Coast on Wednesday, while Burkina Faso will take on Niger in the other semi-final.
Only the semi-final winners will qualify for the 2027 U-20 AFCON, which will be played in Ghana, and Maikaba is upbeat about Nigeria’s chances. Related News Falcons ready to die on pitch – Ajibade Lagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-Olu Banda, Chawinga lead early Golden Boot race
