U20 WAFU B: Nigeria bounce back with narrow win over Côte d’Ivoire

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have bounced back in style, securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in their final group game of the WAFU B U20 Championship in Lome, Togo, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The win propels the seven-time African champions to the semifinals, where they will face Niger Republic for a place in the final and a ticket to the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their opening match, the pressure was on the Flying Eagles to deliver a winning performance to avoid an early exit.

Head coach Aliyu Zubair’s side rose to the occasion, with goals from Clinton Jephta and Kparobo Arierhi ensuring the much-needed win over the Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.

Jephta and Arierhi’s strikes were enough to cancel out Côte d’Ivoire’s lone goal, sealing Nigeria’s spot in the semifinals as Group B winners. The result also meant Côte d’Ivoire progressed as group runners-up, while Burkina Faso were eliminated.

Next up, the Flying Eagles will take on Niger Republic in Sunday’s semifinal clash, with the stakes high as they battle for a place in the final and a chance to retain their title.

The Nigerian side will need to be at their best, as a victory guarantees a place in the final and secures qualification for the U20 AFCON.