Flying Eagles edge Niger on penalties to reach WAFU Zone B final

By Olaolu Joseph –

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, on Sunday booked their place in the final of the WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship after a tense penalty shootout victory over Niger Republic.

The match, played in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, saw Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side withstand intense pressure in a cagey encounter that ended goalless after regulation time.

Despite creating more scoring chances, the Flying Eagles were unable to break down a resolute Nigerien defense, forcing the match into penalties.

In the ensuing shootout, the Nigerians kept their composure to triumph 4-3, securing their passage into the tournament’s final.

The result marks another achievement for Coach Zubairu, who has guided the team with tactical discipline throughout the competition.

Nigeria now awaits the winner between arch-rivals Ghana and host nation Côte d’Ivoire in what promises to be an electrifying final.

The Flying Eagles are seeking back-to-back WAFU titles and are determined to assert their dominance in the West African sub-region.