A slow start cost Nigeria’s Flying Eagles top spot in their group at the WAFU B U-20 Championship, but the defending champions are still alive in the race for continental qualification.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final Group B fixture at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday.
The result saw Burkina Faso finish top of Group B with seven points from three matches, while the defending champions settled for second place on six points. In the group’s other fixture, Ghana and Togo played out a goalless draw, leaving Ghana third with two points and Togo bottom with one.
A Tough Semi-Final Draw
By topping the group, Burkina Faso will face Niger in one of the semi finals. Nigeria, meanwhile, have been handed a difficult last four meeting with tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire. The two finalists will not only contest the WAFU B title but will also secure qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, to be staged in Ghana.
Burkina Faso took firm control of the contest in the first half, racing into a two goal lead through Alassane Bagayogo and Mohamed Zongo before the interval. The Flying Eagles failed to mount a meaningful response after the break. Fans following the Flying Eagles’ route through the tournament can also track fixtures and offers through the Bet9ja promotions page ahead of the semi-final. (Betting advertisement, 18+ only)
Still In The Hunt For Continental Glory
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s overall campaign remains on track, having opened the tournament with a win over Ghana before their group-stage form dipped against Burkina Faso. Coach Abdu Maikaba’s side will now need to regroup quickly ahead of a testing semi final against the hosts.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are the record seven time champions of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, having won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015.
- They arrived at this year’s WAFU B Championship as back to back winners of the tournament, having beaten Ghana 2-1 in the 2024 final in Lome.
- Nigeria’s opening group game of this year’s tournament was a repeat of that 2024 final, and they beat Ghana 4-2 to start their campaign.
- The Flying Eagles have also finished runners-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.
- Both finalists at this year’s WAFU B Championship will qualify for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to be hosted by Ghana.
- Nigeria’s semi final opponents, Cote d’Ivoire, are the hosts of this year’s tournament and topped Group A alongside Benin Republic and Niger Republic.
- All three of Nigeria’s group stage matches were played at the same venue, the Lycee Scientifique de Yamoussoukro.
