Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set for the WAFU B U-20 Championship final after a spirited 3-1 comeback win over Niger Republic in their semi-final match. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his squad for their resilience and determination, crediting their fighting spirit for the victory that also guarantees Nigeria a place at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The game began with an early setback for the defending champions as Niger struck in the opening nine minutes, taking the lead and placing Nigeria under immediate pressure.
But Zubairu’s team responded decisively, demonstrating a quick resurgence that led to an equalizer from Olalekan Agagbe.
As the match progressed, forward Clinton Jephta took center stage, scoring twice to secure a convincing victory for Nigeria and propel them to the tournament’s final.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Zubairu expressed pride in his players’ persistence and adaptability. “
commend the boys; they showed real character to fight back and win the match.
It was the same way they did against Côte d’Ivoire,” he remarked in his post-match address.
We were disappointed when we lost to Burkina Faso in our opening game, but we have since bounced back to top reckoning.”
The Flying Eagles’ journey in the tournament has indeed been one of resilience.
Their opening game against Burkina Faso ended in a disappointing defeat, but they rebounded impressively with wins over Côte d’Ivoire and now Niger, securing both a place in the tournament’s final and an AFCON qualification.
Nigeria’s victory is largely attributed to the team’s dynamic attack and tactical adjustments, both of which have been evident in their strong finishes in recent games.
Jephta’s contributions, particularly, have been instrumental, with his goal-scoring ability lifting the team’s confidence and keeping their AFCON hopes alive.
Agagbe’s composure and teamwork added further stability to their performance, turning the tide in Nigeria’s favor despite the initial setback.
Looking ahead, the Flying Eagles will face Ghana’s Black Satellites in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final on Wednesday.
This highly anticipated clash between two of West Africa’s football powerhouses promises a display of skill, grit, and rivalry, as both teams vie for regional supremacy.
With the U-20 AFCON qualification now secured, Nigeria’s focus remains on claiming the WAFU B title.
