Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured qualification for the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties following a pulsating 2-2 draw after extra time on Wednesday at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
The thrilling semi-final encounter saw both teams battle relentlessly over 120 minutes before goalkeeper Clinton Lawani emerged as Nigeria’s hero, saving two spot-kicks in the decisive shootout to send the seven-time African champions into the regional final.
The Young Elephants struck first in the 16th minute when Namory Kaita capitalised on an opening to put the hosts ahead and ignite the home crowd.
Nigeria responded with greater urgency after the break and eventually found the equaliser in the 67th minute.
Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to head home, restoring parity and forcing the contest into extra time after neither side could find a winner in regulation time.
The Flying Eagles completed the turnaround early in the first period of extra time through Aliyu Abubakar, who finished clinically to hand Nigeria a 2-1 advantage and move them within touching distance of the final.
However, Côte d’Ivoire refused to surrender and snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in extra time to make it 2-2, sending the contest into a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Nigeria held their composure from 12 yards while Lawani produced two outstanding saves to deny the Ivorians, sealing a 4-3 victory and sparking wild celebrations among the Flying Eagles.
The victory sends Nigeria into the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship where they now to battle the winner of Burkinafaso and Niger for a place in the CAF U-20 AFCON in Ghana.
The victory also ensure the Flying Eagles continues their quest to retain the reginal title won in Cote D’Ivoire two years ago.
