Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time in Yamoussoukro on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was the hero for Abdul Maikaba’s side, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to send the Flying Eagles into the final after an entertaining semi-final contest.
Ivory Coast made the brighter start and took the lead in the 17th minute following a sustained spell of pressure. The hosts held onto their advantage until half-time despite Nigeria’s attempts to find an equaliser.
The Flying Eagles returned for the second half with renewed purpose and were rewarded in the 68th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home Oraro Lucky’s long throw, leaving the Ivorian goalkeeper with no chance.
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With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the contest went into extra time.
Nigeria took the lead for the first time early in the additional period as Oraro Lucky’s dangerous long throw again caused problems in the Ivorian defence. Aliyu Abubakar capitalised on the opportunity, powering home a header to make it 2-1.
The hosts, however, refused to surrender and restored parity just minutes later, forcing the encounter into a penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2.
In the shootout, Lawani delivered when it mattered most, denying two Ivorian penalty takers as Nigeria claimed a 4-3 victory to seal a place in the final.
The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the final, where victory would not only see them crowned WAFU B U-20 champions but also secure qualification for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
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