FLYING EAGLES EDGE CÔTE D’IVOIRE ON PENALTIES TO REACH WAFU B U-20 FINAL
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties on Wednesday to secure a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship after a thrilling semi-final ended 2-2 following extra time.
Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerged as the hero for the seven-time African champions, producing two crucial saves in the penalty shootout to seal Nigeria’s place in the championship match.
The hosts dominated the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute after a bright start.
Nigeria responded strongly after the break, with captain Habila Simeon heading home the equaliser in the 68th minute to make it 1-1. The goal also ended Côte d’Ivoire’s run of clean sheets in the tournament.
The Flying Eagles completed the comeback in the first half of extra time when Abubakar Aliyu fired Nigeria into the lead for the first time in the contest.
However, the Ivorians mounted a late fightback and grabbed a dramatic equaliser deep into added time of extra time, sending the semi-final to a penalty shootout.
Despite Simeon missing Nigeria’s second spot-kick, Clinton proved decisive by saving two Ivorian penalties as the Flying Eagles triumphed 4-3 in the shootout.
The victory sends Nigeria into the WAFU B U-20 Championship final, where the Flying Eagles will aim to add another regional title to their impressive record.
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