Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have earned the opportunity they wanted most a second chance against Burkina Faso. After surviving a dramatic semi final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Abdul Maikaba’s side will now battle the Young Stallions in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship with revenge, regional glory and a place at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations all on the line.
The final, scheduled for Sunday, comes just days after Burkina Faso defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the group stage to finish top of the group and leave the defending champions with the longer route to the title.
Nigeria reached the final after one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, edging hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw after extra time in Yamoussoukro.
The Ivorians made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the opening half, forcing Nigeria onto the back foot. Goalkeeper Clinton Lawani kept the Flying Eagles in the contest with a string of important saves before the break.
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Nigeria returned from the dressing room with renewed energy and eventually found the equaliser in the 68th minute when captain Habila Simeon powered home a header from Oraro Lucky’s dangerous long throw.
With the scores level after 90 minutes, the tie moved into extra time. the Flying Eagles struck first when another long throw from Oraro Lucky caused panic inside the Ivorian penalty area, allowing Aliyu Abubakar to head Nigeria into the lead.
However, the hosts responded to make it 2-2 and force the contest into a penalty shootout.
Lawani once again proved Nigeria’s hero, saving two spot kicks as the Flying Eagles triumphed 4-3 to secure their place in the championship match.
Burkina Faso await in the final
Burkina Faso also needed extra time to reach the final, overcoming Niger 2-0 after a goalless 90 minutes.
The Young Stallions have already shown their quality in the competition, defeating Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage to claim first place and underline their credentials as title contenders.
That victory handed Burkina Faso a psychological advantage, but knockout football offers a fresh opportunity.
Nigeria have grown stronger with each match since that defeat, showing resilience against Côte d’Ivoire and demonstrating the fighting spirit that has long defined the Flying Eagles at youth level.
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Sunday’s final is about far more than lifting the WAFU B trophy. the winners will secure the region’s sole qualification ticket to the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, making it a winner-takes all encounter.
