The Flying Eagles of Nigeria advanced to the final of the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship on Sunday, after coming from behind to beat Niger Republic’s Junior Mena 3-1 in Lome, Togo.
With the win, the Flying Eagles earned a ticket to next year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Niger Republic went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but just as they did against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, seven-time African champions Nigeria found their way back into the contest.
The Flying Eagles dominated after conceding, scoring three goals that took them to the final, where they will face West African archrivals Ghana, who had earlier seen off Cote d’Ivoire 2-1.
Against the run of play, the Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33rd minute, but Nigeria survived and shortly after, found the equaliser.
Clinton Jephta finished superbly from outside the box to put the Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt made some excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage.
The Flying Eagles netted the third goal in added time, through Olalekan Alonge.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, said: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
“I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1) but the team has continued to improve with every match since then.
“The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s final.”
