Nigeria's Flying Eagles Advance to WAFU B Last Four Despite Defeat to Burkina Faso

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final Group B match of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 tournament on Sunday at the Lycee Scientifique de Yamoussoukro but still secured qualification for the semi-finals of the competition.

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The defeat came after Nigeria had opened their campaign with victories over Ghana and Togo, beating the Ghanaians 4-2 before defeating Togo 3-0 to book their place in the knockout stage.

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Burkina Faso took the lead in the 23rd minute when a player headed home from a well-delivered corner kick.

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The Burkinabe doubled their advantage 13 minutes later with a stunning free-kick from around 30 yards that flew past the Nigerian goalkeeper and into the net.

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The goal gave Burkina Faso a deserved two-goal lead going into the break.

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The Flying Eagles tried to find their footing after the restart and pushed forward in search of a response, but struggled to trouble their opponents.

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Nigeria threw everything forward in the second half in an effort to get on the scoresheet, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Burkina Faso side that remained solid at the back.

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Despite the defeat, the Flying Eagles had already done enough in their opening two games to secure their place in the knockout stage.

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They will now shift their attention to the semi-finals as they continue their quest for success in the competition which serves as the qualifiers for the U-20 AFCON.

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