By ABDULRAHMAN YAHAYA

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday edged the U-20 football team of Cote d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties in their semi-final match to reach the finals of the ongoing WAFU U-20 tournament.

The Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire mounted pressure on the Flying Eagles early in the game but the Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani made brilliant saves to deny the host in the 12th and 14 minutes.

The Young Elephants later found a breakthrough in the 16th minute when Kaita slotted the ball past Clinton Lawani to give the host a 1-0 lead.

The defending Champions Nigeria restored parity in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon headed in a cross.

Both teams couldn’t find the winner after regulation time, leading the game to extra time.

Nigeria’s Aliyu Abubakar put Nigeria ahead three minutes into extra time but the host found the equalizer in the 104th minute, forcing the game to a shoot-out.

The Young Elephants missed two of their five penalties, while the Flying Eagles of Nigeria missed only one of their kicks, ending the tie 4-3 in Nigeria’s favour.

The victory sends the Flying Eagles to the finals of the 2026 WAFU U-20 tournament.

It equally granted the team a spot at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Ghana next year. (NAN)

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