Flying Eagles lose 4-1 to Burkina Faso, miss 2027 U-20 AFCON

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have missed out on the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship on Sunday.

The defeat at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, also ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Burkina Faso, who had already defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage, completed a double over the seven-time African champions to win the regional title and secure one of WAFU Zone B’s two places at next year’s U-20 AFCON alongside hosts Ghana.

Nigeria’s hopes of revenge suffered a major blow in the opening 15 minutes as Abdul Maikaba’s side conceded three goals.

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The Flying Eagles pulled one goal back from the penalty spot in the second half and appeared to have a chance of mounting a comeback.

However, the Young Stallions added a late fourth goal to put the result beyond doubt and seal the championship.

The defeat also means Nigeria will not defend the WAFU Zone B title they won in Lomé in October 2024.

Burkina Faso have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides.

The Young Stallions defeated Nigeria 1-0 in their 2024 WAFU Zone B encounter in Lomé, while the teams played out a 2-2 draw when they met in Niger Republic in 2022.

Nigeria had entered the final knowing that victory was necessary to retain their regional crown and secure qualification for the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Instead, Burkina Faso claimed the title and took the qualification spot alongside Ghana, leaving the Flying Eagles without a route to next year’s continental tournament and the subsequent FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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