Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were narrowly defeated 1–0 by Ivory Coast in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup final last night, with a late strike from Zakaria Tindano securing the victory for the Ivorians.
The encounter remained tense throughout, with Nigeria creating the first notable chances. Muhammed Muhammed tested the Ivorian keeper with a low strike from outside the area, and Muhammed Abdullahi later watched his free-kick, nodded on by Bameyi, rattle the crossbar. Muhammed Muhammed nearly scored again from a tight angle, but the odds remained even at half‑time.
The second half began with renewed intensity. Oliseh forced another smart save in the 59th minute, only for the Ivorian defence to quickly respond with a flurry of chances. Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made three vital stops, while Bameyi defended resolutely in the box in the 70th minute.
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Heartbreak arrived in added time. Harcourt’s uncharacteristic mishandling gifted possession to Tindano, who rifled home the winner and sent Ivory Coast into jubilant celebration.
Editorial
We believe this narrow defeat, though painful, reveals the potential nestled within the Flying Eagles. Their assertiveness in creating chances and resolute defending throughout much of the match shows maturity and tactical discipline.
We feel certain that Harcourt’s error in the dying moments should not overshadow the spirits of the team. It was a lapse in concentration, not a deficiency in skill. This squad has demonstrated the capacity to reach finals and produce high-quality performances under pressure.
We assert that resilience is forged through close contests such as this. Our young players will emerge stronger if they channel the lessons learnt particularly in managing mental fatigue and maintaining focus until the last whistle. We think the coaching staff must use this opportunity to reinforce decision-making in high-pressure scenarios and to foster stronger game management instincts for future finals.
We appreciate that football is often defined by moments of heartbreak and jubilation. The Flying Eagles came so close, and this narrow margin should ignite renewed determination not deter ambition. We stand behind them as they regroup and aim for redemption in next year’s competition.
Did You Know?
- Zakaria Tindano’s late goal marks Ivory Coast’s first triumph in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup final, with no previous wins in the tournament.
- Bameyi, celebrated for his defensive blocks, spent only 17 minutes on the pitch before delivering his key intervention in this final.
- The Flying Eagles had navigated the knockout stages without conceding, making this first goal in the final all the more dramatic.
- The WAFU B U20 tournament serves as a qualifying pathway for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, making this result significant for Ivory Coast’s broader ambitions.
- Ebenezer Harcourt had previously kept three consecutive clean sheets in the tournament before this decisive late-game error.
