Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face a tough test today (Wednesday) as they take on high-flying Ivory Coast in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Boys Cup in Prampram, Ghana. The match is scheduled for 8pm.
Ivory Coast has been the most dominant team in the tournament so far, winning all four of their matches, including a strong comeback victory over host nation Ghana in the semi-finals. They beat Burkina Faso 2–1 in their opening game and followed with narrow wins over Niger Republic (1–0) and Togo (2–0).
On the other hand, Nigeria’s journey to the final has been filled with drama and determination. The Flying Eagles drew 1–1 with Ghana in their first group match, thanks to a late equalizer by Mohammed Abdullahi. They bounced back to defeat Benin Republic 4–1, topping their group.
In the semi-final, Nigeria faced Niger Republic in a tight contest that ended 0–0 after 90 minutes. The match went to penalties, where coach Aliyu Zubair’s team held their nerves to win 4–3.
Today’s final will be attended by top officials, including WAFU B President, Ibrahim Gusau, as the region crowns a new youth champion.
Coach Zubair, who led Nigeria to win the tournament last year in Togo and qualified the team for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, will be hoping for another major triumph.
Nigeria will rely on in-form players like Mohammed Abdullahi and Ezekiel Kpangu, while Ivory Coast will look to their star duo, Abdoul Bamba and Ali Kone, to maintain their unbeaten streak.
The Flying Eagles are aiming to end the Ivorians’ perfect run and bring the WAFU B trophy back to Nigeria.
