Nigeria Reach WAFU-B U-20 Final After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win

YAMOUSSOUKRO, Côte d’Ivoire — Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their place in the final of the WAFU-B U-20 AFCON Qualifying Tournament after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Côte d’Ivoire.

The two sides finished 2-2 after extra time in a thrilling semi-final contest, with Nigeria holding their nerve from the spot to advance.

The Flying Eagles struggled in the first half and went into the break trailing. They showed greater character after the restart, fighting their way back into the game with an equaliser before taking the lead late on.

Côte d’Ivoire responded with a dramatic equaliser in extra time to force the shootout. Nigeria’s goalkeeper then emerged as the hero, producing two crucial penalty saves to secure a 4-3 win and a place in the final.

Victory in the final would guarantee Nigeria automatic qualification for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and keep alive their hopes of reaching the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

It was a hard-fought contest marked by drama, determination and resilience from the Flying Eagles, who now stand one step closer to continental qualification.