Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the final of the WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament after edging Niger Republic 4-3 on penalties following a tense goalless draw in regulation time on Sunday, Bold Sports reports.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team maintained their unbeaten run in the competition, having opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Ghana before cruising to a convincing 4-1 win over Benin Republic to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Niger, meanwhile, began their group-stage journey with a narrow 1-0 victory against Togo but faltered in their second match, losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast. A goalless draw with Burkina Faso in their final group outing was enough to book them a semifinal ticket.
Despite Nigeria dominating possession and creating more chances, Niger held firm defensively, frustrating the Flying Eagles and forcing the game into a penalty shootout — the first time Nigeria failed to score in the tournament.
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Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcout of Sporting Lagos emerged as the star of the shootout, producing two crucial saves to guide Nigeria to a 4-3 win on penalties and a place in the final.
The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the second semifinal clash between Ghana and Ivory Coast to find out who they’ll face in the final.
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