Flying Eagles miss U-20 AFCON after Burkina Faso defeat

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and, consequently, the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Burkina Faso, who had already beaten Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage, completed a double over the seven-time African champions to claim the regional title and join hosts Ghana as WAFU Zone B’s representatives at next year’s U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria’s hopes of revenge evaporated early as Abdul Maikaba’s side conceded three goals inside the opening 15 minutes.

The Flying Eagles pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half but the Stallions were not done, denting any chances of a comeback with a late goal.

The defeat also ended Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the regional title they won in Lomé in October 2024.

The Young Stallions have also enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two countries. Their 2024 WAFU Zone B encounter in Lomé ended in a 1-0 victory for Burkina Faso, while the sides played out a 2-2 draw when they met in Niger Republic in 2022.

The Flying Eagles had entered the final seeking to retain their regional crown and secure one of the zone’s two places at the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]