WAFU B U-20: Flying Eagles defeat Niger 3-1 to seal AFCON ticket

…sets up final with Ghana

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, came from a goal down on Sunday night to defeat Niger Republic’s U-20 side 3-1 in the second semifinal of the WAFU B U-20 Championship held in Togo.

The Nigeriens drew first blood in the encounter, taking an early lead before the Eagles equalized in the first half.

With the first half ending 1-1, the coach Aliyu Zubairu-led team took control in the second half, eventually scoring a second goal early in the half.

The Nigerian team sealed the win with a third goal in added time, ending the match 3-1.

Nigeria will face the Black Satellites of Ghana, who also came from behind to beat the Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in the first semifinal, in the championship final.

Both teams, by qualifying for the final, have secured tickets to the AFCON U-20 Championship, where Africa’s representatives for the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be determined.