By Emeka Dennar
Nigeria’s Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles, showed big hearts on Wednesday as they edged out host nation Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties after an intense 2-2 draw in extra time.
The victory sends Nigeria straight into the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, keeping their dream of defending the title alive!
A Rough Start
The home team came out flying, taking full control of the game early on. Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Clinton Lawani, had to pull off two massive saves in the 12th and 14th minutes just to keep the scores level.
However, the Ivorian pressure finally paid off in the 16th minute when Kaita scored to give Côte d’Ivoire a 1-0 lead. Nigeria pushed hard for an equalizer before halftime, but the Ivorian defense held firm.
The Fightback
Lawani kept Nigeria in the game again in the 59th minute with another brilliant save from a corner.
That heroics inspired the team, and in the 67th minute, captain Habila Simeon jumped highest to head home a great cross, making it 1-1. Neither side could find a winner before the 90 minutes ended, taking the match into extra time.
Extra-Time Thrills and Penalty Cool
Nigeria took the lead just three minutes into extra time when Aliyu Abubakar scored to make it 2-1. Gift Subi almost made it three after an amazing solo run, but his shot went just wide.
The home fans cheered Côte d’Ivoire back into the match as they managed to score right before the extra-time half-time break, leveling the game at 2-2.
With no more goals in the final 15 minutes, it all came down to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The Flying Eagles held their cool from the spot, winning 4-3 to quiet the home crowd and celebrate a hard-fought victory.
Up Next: Nigeria will now face Burkina Faso in the final. A win will see them keep their regional crown and seal a ticket to next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations!
