By Emeka Dennar
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will not be in the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup after being beaten 4-1 by Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s reign as champions, with the Young Stallions producing a dominant display to lift the regional title.
Burkina Faso took control of the game from the start and raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time. The Young Stallions punished gaps in Nigeria’s defence with their pace and direct attacking play, leaving the Flying Eagles with a mountain to climb after the break.
The Burkinabe goals came through Mahamadou Drabo, Issouf Bara and Mohamed Lamine Sawadogo, who all found the net in a devastating first-half performance.
Nigeria showed more fight in the second half and pulled a goal back through Muiz Adeleke, who calmly converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.
The goal briefly raised hopes of a comeback as coach Abdu Maikaba’s side pushed forward and created a few opportunities. However, Burkina Faso remained well organised at the back and prevented the Flying Eagles from reducing the deficit further.
Any hopes of a late Nigerian fightback were ended when Sawadogo grabbed his second goal of the match to make it 4-1 and seal a convincing victory for the Young Stallions.
It was Burkina Faso’s second win over Nigeria in the tournament, having also beaten the Flying Eagles during the group stage.
The Young Stallions deservedly claimed the WAFU B U-20 title and, alongside hosts Ghana, will represent the zone at next year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
