Burkina Faso beat Nigeria 4-1 to win WAFU B U20 Championship

Burkina Faso’s Young Stallions defeated Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 4-1 in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship on Saturday, securing the regional title and qualification for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The final was played at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, where Nigeria’s hopes of retaining the trophy were ended by a outstanding first-half performance from Burkina Faso.

The Young Stallions made the stronger start and quickly established control of the contest. Their speed, direct attacking play and relentless pressure exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s defence, leaving the Flying Eagles unable to settle into the game.

Burkina Faso scored three times before half-time to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Nigeria struggled to deal with the movement and pace of their opponents, while the early advantage allowed the Young Stallions to dictate the rhythm of the match.

For the defending champions, the scale of the deficit meant they were forced to chase the game from an early stage. Burkina Faso’s first-half display gave Nigeria little opportunity to build attacks of their own, and the teams went into the interval with the final already heavily in the Young Stallions’ favour.

Nigeria showed greater urgency after the break and were handed a possible route back into the contest when forward Muiz Adeleke converted from the penalty spot. His goal reduced the deficit to 3-1 and briefly renewed belief on the Nigerian bench.

Abdu Maikaba’s side responded by pushing higher up the pitch and creating several opportunities as they searched for a second goal. However, Burkina Faso remained organised, with their compact defensive shape making it difficult for Nigeria to turn their pressure into a sustained comeback.

The Young Stallions continued to protect their advantage and eventually settled the final with a fourth goal late in the match. That strike made the score 4-1 and removed any remaining doubt about the outcome.

The defeat brought a disappointing end to the tournament for Nigeria, who had entered the final as defending champions. It was also the second time Burkina Faso had beaten the Flying Eagles during the competition, having already won their meeting in the group stage.

Burkina Faso deservedly lifted the WAFU Zone B trophy after another convincing victory over Nigeria. Their triumph also means they will represent the WAFU B zone alongside hosts Ghana at next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.