Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the final of the ongoing WAFU B U-20 Championship after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Niger Republic on Monday evening in Ghana.
The semi-final clash at the Cape Coast Stadium ended goalless after 90 minutes of regulation time, forcing both teams into a nerve-racking shootout that Nigeria eventually won 4–3.
Throughout the match, the defending champions pressed forward with intent but were repeatedly frustrated by a compact and disciplined Nigerien defense. The Flying Eagles created several chances in the first half but failed to convert, registering three off-target attempts, while Niger Republic failed to trouble the Nigerian goal.
The second half saw increased attacking urgency from the Nigerians, who dominated possession and pushed relentlessly for a breakthrough. However, the Nigerien side, content to sit deep, deployed a rigid defensive structure—at times involving up to seven players behind the ball—to successfully shut out their opponents.
With no goals scored after 90 minutes, the game moved straight to penalties.
Niger Republic’s first spot kick was saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, while Tahir Maigana missed Nigeria’s second attempt. The shootout remained tense, but the Flying Eagles held their nerve, converting four penalties compared to Niger’s two.
The victory secures Nigeria’s place in the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final clash between hosts Ghana and Ivory Coast.
The Flying Eagles are aiming to retain the title they won at the previous edition of the WAFU B U-20 tournament and secure qualification for the next CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
