U20 AFCON qualifiers: Flying Eagles lose 2-0 to Burkina Faso

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso on Sunday but still progressed to the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship as Group B runners-up.

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Abdu Maikaba’s side had opened the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Ghana before defeating Togo 3-0 to put themselves in a strong position for qualification.

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However, they were outplayed by Burkina Faso, who secured top spot in the group with seven points from three matches.

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Nigeria finished second on six points, while Ghana ended third with two points after a goalless draw against Togo. Togo finished bottom with one point.

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Burkina Faso took the lead in the 23rd minute when Alassana Bagayogo headed home from a corner.

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The Young Stallions doubled their advantage 13 minutes later as Mohamed Zongo curled a superb free-kick from about 30 yards beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper.

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The Flying Eagles improved after the break but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Burkina Faso remaining compact at the back to preserve their two-goal lead.

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The result means Burkina Faso will face Niger in one semi-final, while Nigeria will take on hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the other.

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The winners of both semi-finals will qualify for the final and secure places at the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.

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