Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured their spot in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final by defeating tournament hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties. The match was a grueling contest, finishing 2-2 following the completion of extra time.
Côte d’Ivoire started strongly, opening the scoring in the 18th minute. The Flying Eagles responded in the 68th minute when captain Habila Simeon headed home the equalizer, marking the first goal the Ivorian side had surrendered throughout the tournament. During the first half of extra time, Abubakar Aliyu put Nigeria ahead, though the hosts managed a late equalizer in stoppage time to force the shootout.
Despite a missed penalty from Simeon, goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerged as the match-winner by stopping two spot-kicks to propel Nigeria into the final round.
