Nigeria vs Burkina Faso: Flying Eagles seek revenge and U20 AFCON ticket in WAFU B final

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will have a chance to avenge their group-stage defeat to Burkina Faso after both teams reached the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two sides will meet on Sunday with more than the regional title at stake. The winners will also claim the tournament’s only qualification spot for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria secured their place in the final after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire following a 2-2 draw after extra time at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.

The hosts dominated the early stages and deservedly went ahead in the 16th minute through Kaita. Nigeria struggled to settle, but goalkeeper Clinton Lawani kept his side in the contest with a series of important saves before halftime.

The Flying Eagles returned with greater purpose after the break and found their equaliser in the 67th minute when captain Habila Simeon powered home a header. Neither side could find a winner in normal time, sending the match into extra time.

Abubakar Aliyu put Nigeria in front just three minutes into extra time, but Côte d’Ivoire struck back before the interval to make it 2-2 and force penalties.

Lawani was again the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties as Nigeria held their nerve to seal a 4-3 victory and book another appearance in the WAFU B final.

Burkina Faso stand between Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and AFCON qualification

Burkina Faso also needed extra time to reach the final, beating Niger 2-0 after a goalless 90 minutes. The Young Stallions eventually broke Niger’s resistance with two well-taken goals to seal their place in the title decider.

Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the group-stage meeting, where Burkina Faso defeated Nigeria 2-0. That result denied the Flying Eagles top spot in the group and handed the Young Stallions a psychological edge.

However, defending champions Nigeria have improved as the tournament has progressed and will believe they can turn the tables when it matters most.

Victory for the Flying Eagles would not only secure another WAFU B title but also guarantee qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. Defeat, however, would end their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.