Nigeria's U-20 team narrowly defeats Ivory Coast in shootout to advance to WAFU B championship finale

Nigeria's Flying Eagles sealed their spot in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final on Wednesday, outlasting hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling semi-final ended 2-2 following extra time.

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Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton played a pivotal role in Nigeria's triumph, making two vital saves in the shootout to propel the seven-time African champions into the final.

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The Ivorians began the match on a strong note, claiming the opening goal in the 18th minute after dictating the pace in the early stages.

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Nigeria regained their footing in the second half, with captain Habila Simeon equalizing in the 68th minute by heading home to level the score at 1-1, thereby ending Côte d’Ivoire's streak of clean sheets in the tournament.

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The Flying Eagles took the lead for the first time in the match during the first half of extra time, courtesy of Abubakar Aliyu's goal.

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However, the hosts persisted and scored deep into added time of extra time, knotting the score at 2-2 and forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

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Despite Simeon missing Nigeria's second penalty, Clinton's heroics in denying two Ivorian spot-kicks helped the Flying Eagles secure a 4-3 shootout victory and a berth in the championship match.