The Flying Eagles are through to the final of the WAFU B U20 AFCON qualifying tournament after they beat host nation Cote d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties after scores after extra-time stood at 2-2.
AET: Côte d’Ivoire 2-2 Nigeria (3-4 on PKs)
— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) August 5, 2026
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles fly into the WAFU B U20 final after beating the hosts in Yamoussoukro.
Warri Wolves’ Orairo Lucky with two assists from devilish long throws.
Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Lawani Clinton with two PK saves. 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/OuWD7mTq05
The defending champions will now await the winners of the second semifinal between Niger and Burkina Faso to determine the champions of the sub-region as well as the team who will advance to next year’s U20 AFCON to be hosted by Ghana.
The hero for the Nigeria U20s was goalkeeper Clinton Lawani, who saved two of the penalties taken by the Ivorians.
Captain Habila Simeon drew Nigeria level on 68 minutes after Cote d’Ivoire raced into the lead in the 18th minute.
It was the first goal conceded by the Ivorians in the competition after they posted clean sheets against both Benin and Niger.
In the first half of extra-time Abubakar Aliyu drew first blood for the Flying Eagles, before Cote d’Ivoire equalised in added time to make it 2-2.
There were no goals thereafter and so the tie had to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Captain Simeon’s effort came off the post for the Nigerians’ missed effort, but goalkeeper Lawani made up for this with two big saves.
Nigerian goalscorers from the spot were Lucky Oraro, Abubakar Aliyu, Abdulmuiz Adeleke and Abdoulaye Agbejoye.
