Flying Eagles Beat Hosts Côte d'Ivoire on Penalties to Reach WAFU B U-20 Championship Final

Nigeria's Flying Eagles secured their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after edging hosts Côte d'Ivoire 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following an entertaining 2-2 draw after extra time.

Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerged as the hero of the evening, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to send Nigeria into the championship match.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Côte d'Ivoire made a bright start and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 18th minute, taking control of the contest during the first half.

The Flying Eagles gradually grew into the game after the break and found their equaliser through captain Habila Simeon, whose powerful header in the 68th minute restored parity.

Nigeria carried the momentum into extra time and completed the turnaround when Abubakar Aliyu found the back of the net in the first period of added time, putting the Flying Eagles 2-1 ahead.

Just as Nigeria looked set to seal victory, Côte d'Ivoire struck back deep into extra time, grabbing a dramatic equaliser to force the match into a penalty shootout.

Nigeria suffered an early setback when captain Habila Simeon missed the team's second penalty, giving the hosts an opportunity to take control.

However, goalkeeper Lawani Clinton rose to the occasion with two outstanding saves, keeping Nigeria in the contest before the Flying Eagles converted the decisive spot-kick to claim a 4-3 shootout victory.