Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and Burkina Faso have made it to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after claiming victories in their respective semifinals, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Flying Eagles booked their final ticket courtesy of a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra time at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
Burkina Faso also secured their place in Sunday’s final after defeating Niger 2-0 in extra time in the second semifinal. The Young Stallions and the Flying Eagles will now battle for the regional title, with the tournament winner also earning the only available ticket to the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The final also offers Nigeria an opportunity for revenge after Burkina Faso claimed a 2-0 victory over the Flying Eagles during the group stage earlier in the competition.
Lawani’s heroics send Flying Eagles into another WAFU B final
Abdu Maikaba’s side faced an uphill task against a lively Ivorian team backed by a passionate home crowd.
Côte d’Ivoire controlled much of the opening half and repeatedly tested Nigeria’s defence. Goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was called into action several times to deny the hosts before the pressure finally paid off in the 16th minute when Kaita found the back of the net to give the Ivorians a deserved 1-0 lead.
Nigeria struggled to create clear chances before halftime but remained in the contest largely because of Lawani, whose saves prevented the hosts from extending their advantage.
The Flying Eagles looked much sharper after the break. Lawani produced another important intervention in the 59th minute when he dealt with a dangerous corner that threatened to put the game beyond Nigeria’s reach.
Eight minutes later, Nigeria found their equaliser. Captain Habila Simeon rose above the Ivorian defenders to power home a well-delivered cross in the 67th minute, making it 1-1 and changing the mood of the contest.
Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the semifinal into an additional 30 minutes.
Nigeria struck almost immediately after extra time began. Just three minutes into the first period, Abubakar Aliyu finished calmly to put the Flying Eagles 2-1 ahead and within touching distance of the final.
The hosts refused to surrender. Côte d’Ivoire continued to push forward and grabbed another equaliser just before the end of the first half of extra time, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense penalty shootout.
Lawani then delivered the defining performance of the evening. The Nigerian goalkeeper saved two Ivorian penalties, helping the Flying Eagles claim a 4-3 shootout victory and spark celebrations among the Nigerian players and coaching staff.
Burkina Faso await as AFCON ticket and revenge go on the line
Later in the day, Burkina Faso also booked their place in the final with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Niger after extra time.
The Young Stallions and Niger played out a fiercely contested 90 minutes in which both teams defended well and limited clear scoring chances. Physical battles dominated midfield as neither side managed to break the deadlock in regulation time.
Burkina Faso eventually found another level during extra time. Their greater energy and attacking quality began to stretch Niger’s defence, leading to two goals that secured their place in the championship match without the need for penalties.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso will now face off in Sunday’s final. Nigeria are the defending WAFU B U20 champions, but their hopes of retaining the title will be tested by the same Burkina Faso side that defeated them earlier in the group stage. That earlier result gives the Young Stallions a psychological advantage, while the Flying Eagles have the chance to prove how much they have improved during the tournament.
Only the tournament champions will qualify for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
