Nigeria’s Flying Eagles one step from U20 AFCON ticket after beating WAFU B hosts Cote d’Ivoire

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are one victory away from qualifying for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after knocking out hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a dramatic semifinal at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Soccernet.ng reports.

Abdu Maikaba’s side recovered from an early setback before winning 4-3 on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw that lasted through extra time. Goalkeeper Lawani emerged as Nigeria’s match winner by saving two penalties in the shootout, sending the seven-time African champions into Sunday’s final.

The result also completed an impressive turnaround for Nigeria, who had suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final group-stage match before responding when it mattered most.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Côte d’Ivoire made the brighter start and took the lead in the 18th minute, putting immediate pressure on the Flying Eagles.

Nigeria searched patiently for an equaliser and finally found it in the 68th minute through captain Habila Simeon. The skipper rose highest inside the penalty area to power a superb header beyond the Ivorian goalkeeper and level the contest at 1-1.

Neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time, forcing the semifinal into extra time.

The Flying Eagles looked to have taken control when Abubakar Aliyu scored during the first half of extra time to hand Nigeria a 2-1 advantage. The hosts, however, refused to give up and struck late in extra time to make it 2-2, setting up a nerve-racking penalty shootout.

Lawani then produced the decisive moments of the evening. The Nigerian goalkeeper saved two Ivorian spot-kicks, while the Flying Eagles converted enough of their own penalties to seal a 4-3 shootout victory and spark celebrations in Yamoussoukro.

The victory sends Nigeria into the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship, but the job is not yet complete.

Although the Flying Eagles have reached the championship match, they still need to lift the trophy to qualify for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

That is because tournament regulations award WAFU B only one qualifying place. Ghana’s status as hosts of the 2027 continental tournament means they automatically occupy the region’s second allocation, leaving only the tournament champions to secure qualification.

Nigeria earned their place in the semifinals after finishing second in Group B. A disappointing loss to Burkina Faso threatened to derail their campaign, but Zubairu’s young squad responded with resilience by eliminating the unbeaten hosts in one of the competition’s most dramatic matches.

The Flying Eagles will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Niger and Burkina Faso in Sunday’s final. Victory would not only hand Nigeria the regional title but also confirm their place at the 2027 U-20 AFCON, where Africa’s best young teams will compete for continental glory.