Burkina Faso edges out Nigeria for spot in U-20 African Cup of Nations

n n

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

n

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and, consequently, the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

n

Burkina Faso, who had already beaten Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage, completed a double over the seven-time African champions to claim the regional title and join hosts Ghana as WAFU Zone B’s representatives at next year’s U-20 AFCON.

n

Nigeria’s hopes of revenge evaporated early as Abdul Maikaba’s side conceded three goals inside the opening 15 minutes.

n

The Flying Eagles pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half but the Stallions were not done, denting any chances of a comeback with a late goal.

n

The defeat also ended Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the regional title they won in Lomé in October 2024.

n

The Young Stallions have also enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two countries. Their 2024 WAFU Zone B encounter in Lomé ended in a 1-0 victory for Burkina Faso, while the sides played out a 2-2 draw when they met in Niger Republic in 2022.

n

The Flying Eagles had entered the final seeking to retain their regional crown and secure one of the zone’s two places at the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

n n