Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured a place in the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship following a determined 3-1 victory over Niger Republic in Togo on Sunday night.
The win, which required the defending champions to overturn an early deficit, also guarantees Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Held at the Stade de Kegue in Lome, Togo’s capital, the match saw the Flying Eagles come from behind after Niger took an early lead ten minutes into the game.
A resilient comeback
Niger took the lead in the 9th minute with a swift strike from outside the penalty area and could have doubled their lead in the 33rd minute, but the woodwork came to the Flying Eagles' rescue.
Despite the setback, Nigeria responded assertively, with Clinton Jephta delivering an equalizer just before halftime. His powerful low shot slipped into the bottom corner, bringing Nigeria level and setting the stage for the second half.
Shortly after the break, Jephta struck again, this time from inside the penalty area, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match.
The Flying Eagles maintained control from there, with Alonge Olalekan sealing the 3-1 win deep into stoppage time, leaving Niger with no chance to respond.
Title defense in sight for Nigeria
The Flying Eagles, who claimed the WAFU B U20 title two years ago, now look to defend their title in the final, where they will meet fierce rivals Ghana’s Black Satellites.
Ghana defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the other semifinal, setting up a highly anticipated clash between the two West African powerhouses.
With both Nigeria and Ghana now qualified for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, their focus turns to the WAFU B Championship title.
This competition has seen these historic rivals clash on numerous occasions.
