WAFU B U20: Nigeria knock out Ivory Coast and reach the final

The Flying Eagles won on penalties after a fiercely contested semi-final.

The result of the first semi-final of the WAFU B qualifiers for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations is in. Ivory Coast, the tournament’s host nation, were defeated at the final whistle.

The young Ivorians had, however, made a good start to the match at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium. The U20 Elephants opened the scoring and took a 1–0 lead in the first half thanks to Namory Keita.

However, the Nigerian side did not give up. They pressed on and were eventually rewarded. The Flying Eagles snatched an equaliser in the second half to make it 1–1.

The two teams had to go into extra time, where they also drew 2–2. It took a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

But it was the Flying Eagles who came out on top in this decisive stage. Nigeria scored four penalties to Ivory Coast’s three.

Thanks to this victory, the Flying Eagles have secured their place in the final of the WAFU B tournament, which is taking place in Yamoussoukro.