WAFU B U-20: Flying Eagles edge Ivory Coast 4-3 to reach final

Flying Eagles (PHOTO CREDIT: The NFF X Page)

Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, on Wednesday reached the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after beating hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Ivorians dominated the early exchanges and took the lead in the 17th minute through Namory Keita after creating a number of early chances. Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani had already produced two fine saves to keep Nigeria in the contest before finally being beaten.

Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut openings in the first half as the hosts controlled possession and dictated the tempo, taking their slender advantage into the break.

The Flying Eagles improved after the restart and drew level in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon powered home a header from a long throw to make it 1-1.