Flying Eagles edge Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic semi-final to reach the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship final

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reached 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 Wednesday’s semi-final.

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The Flying Eagles edge Ivory Coast 4-3 after goalkeeper Clinton Lawani produced a heroic performance in the shootout, saving two penalties to send Nigeria through in a dramatic contest that tested the team’s resilience and composure.

Ivory Coast started strongly in front of their home supporters and took control of the match during the opening exchanges. The hosts created several early opportunities before Namory Keita opened the scoring in the 17th minute, despite Lawani having already made two important saves to keep Nigeria in the game.

Nigeria struggled to build attacking momentum in the first half as Ivory Coast controlled possession and dictated the pace. The Flying Eagles entered the break behind but returned with greater intensity after the restart.

The turnaround came in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon rose highest to meet a long throw and power a header into the net, bringing Nigeria level at 1-1.

Neither side could find a winning goal during normal time, forcing the semi-final into extra time.

Nigeria made a dream start to the additional period when Aliyu Abubakar scored with a glancing header in the 93rd minute to give the Flying Eagles a 2-1 lead and put them within touching distance of the final.

However, Ivory Coast responded before the end of the first period of extra time, taking advantage of a defensive lapse as Nigeria failed to clear the danger, restoring parity at 2-2.

With no further breakthrough, the match was decided by penalties, where Lawani became the standout figure. The goalkeeper’s two saves proved decisive as Nigeria secured a 4-3 shootout victory.

The result keeps Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the WAFU B U-20 Championship title alive and moves the Flying Eagles closer to another appearance at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The final will provide another test for Nigeria’s young squad, who have shown determination throughout the tournament despite facing difficult moments against strong regional opposition.

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The Flying Eagles will now look to complete their campaign with another trophy and strengthen their reputation as one of Africa’s most successful youth football teams.