WAFU B final: Maikaba eyes revenge against Burkina Faso

Head coach of Nigeria, Abdu Maikaba, says the Flying Eagles are determined to avenge their group stage defeat to the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso when both sides clash today in the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship.

The final of the sub-regional tourney, which serves as qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is scheduled to kick off at 7pm Nigeria time at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

Recall that the Young Stallions outclassed the Flying Eagles 2-0 in the group stage, as today’s fixture provides an opportunity for Maikaba and his lads to avenge the defeat.

Victory will also secure a qualification ticket for the 2027 AFCON U20 tournament in Ghana.

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Ghana’s Black Satellites have already booked their place as the first WAFU B representatives, leaving Nigeria and Burkina Faso to battle for the remaining ticket.

Maikaba believes the experience derived from the first clash with the Young Stallions will help his players on the best approach to adopt for the final today.

“I think this is an opportunity for us to redeem ourselves having lost to Burkina Faso in the group stage. Having played them before, we now have an idea of their shape and structure and we are working on how to capitalise on their weaknesses, while also consolidating our own strength,” Maikaba told thenff.com.

Meanwhile, history favours the Flying Eagles to carry the day, as Nigeria dominated Burkina Faso in the previous final encounters between both countries.

Recall that Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets thrashed the Baby Stallions 3-0 to win the 2001 AFCON U17 title in Seychelles, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles pipped the Stallions 1-0 to win the 2013 AFCON in Johannesburg courtesy of Sunday Mba’s 40th-minute strike.

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