Flying Eagles: Nigeria fail to qualify for U-20 World Cup after losing to Burkina Faso

The Flying Eagles have failed to qualify for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, and ultimately the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan, after losing the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship final on Sunday.

The seven-time African champions, coached by Abdul Maikaba, lost 4-1 to the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

Burkina Faso scored their first three goals in the first 15 minutes of the first half, before the Flying Eagles reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the second half. Nigeria later conceded the fourth goal, crashing all hopes of a comeback.

The result, which was Nigeria’s second defeat against Burkina Faso in this edition, after losing 2-0 in the group stage, meant the Flying Eagles have failed to defend the WAFU Zone B title they won in Lomé, Togo, in October 2024.

With the win, Burkina Faso have therefore secured one of WAFU Zone B’s two places at the 2027 U-20 AFCON, alongside hosts Ghana.