Flying Eagles reach WAFU B U-20 final after penalty win over Ivory Coast

The Flying Eagles secured their place in the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship final following a penalty shootout victory against Côte d’Ivoire. After the match ended in a 2-2 draw through extra time on Wednesday, Nigeria won the decisive kicks 4-3 to overcome the host nation.

Speaking after the semi-final, head coach Abdu Maikaba praised the determination of his players. He noted that the team was committed to securing a victory despite the difficulty of the encounter. Maikaba described Côte d’Ivoire as the most formidable side in the tournament, acknowledging their high level of performance.

The Flying Eagles coach highlighted tactical preparations as a key factor in the result. He explained that the team focused heavily on set-piece routines to gain an advantage. While Nigeria conceded a goal from a set-piece, they managed to score twice using long throw-ins.

Maikaba stated that the team used video analysis of Côte d’Ivoire's previous match against Niger to identify weaknesses. The coaching staff observed that the hosts had difficulty defending long balls into the penalty area. This observation allowed the Flying Eagles to exploit that specific area during the semi-final.

By winning this match, the defending champions move forward to the final stage of the competition. Maikaba expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the team's efforts earned them the right to compete for the title.