Sports
Flying Eagles Beat Hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Penalties to Reach WAFU B U-20 Final
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a dramatic 4-3 victory on penalties over tournament hosts Côte d’Ivoire to advance to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship after a 2-2 draw following extra time.
Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton proved to be the hero for the seven-time African champions, stopping two crucial spot-kicks during the shootout.
The Ivorians started strong and took the lead in the 18th minute. However, Nigeria fought back after the break, with captain Habila Simeon heading in an equalizer in the 68th minute. The Flying Eagles then took the lead for the first time during the first half of extra time courtesy of Abubakar Aliyu.
Although the hosts managed to equalize deep into stoppage time of extra time to force penalties, Clinton’s heroics in the shootout sealed the 4-3 win, propelling Nigeria into the final match.