Nigeria will battle Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup after both sides secured semi-final victories on Sunday.
Cote d’Ivoire sealed their place in the final with a 2-1 win over hosts Ghana at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
The Ivorians came from behind after Ghana’s Benjamin Tsivanyo opened the scoring just two minutes into the match.
Abdoul Bamba levelled matters from the penalty spot before Ali Kone netted the decisive goal midway through the second half to eliminate the Black Satellites.
Earlier in the day, Nigeria overcame Niger in a tense semi-final clash that ended goalless after regulation time.
The Flying Eagles triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerging as the hero. His crucial save not only secured victory but also earned him the Player of the Match award.
The final showdown between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire is set for Wednesday, July 23, and promises to be a fierce contest between two of the region’s most consistent youth sides.
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, are using the regional tournament as a key part of their preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Ghana, meanwhile, will face Niger Republic in the third-place playoff also slated for Wednesday.
The Black Satellites, who had high hopes of winning the competition on home soil, will now seek consolation with a podium finish after falling short in the last four.
The upcoming final adds another chapter to the storied West African rivalry between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, with both teams looking to cap off their campaign with silverware.
