Flying Eagles cruise into WAFU B U-20 semi-finals with emphatic win over Togo

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured their place in the WAFU B U-20 Championship semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Togo in Yamoussoukro, keeping their perfect start to the tournament intact and knocking the Sparrow Hawks out of contention.

The defending champions made it two wins from two in Group B, building on their 4-2 success against Ghana in their opening fixture to move on to six points and guarantee progression with a game to spare.

Togo’s defeat, coming after a 3-1 loss to Burkina Faso earlier in the group phase, confirmed their elimination from the competition.

Tight first half, ruthless second

The first 45 minutes offered few clear opportunities for either side, with Nigeria and Togo largely cancelling each other out in a cautious, cagey opening. Both teams struggled to produce meaningful chances in the final third, and the match remained goalless at half-time.

Abdu Maikaba’s side emerged from the interval with increased urgency and immediately seized control. Barely a minute into the second half, in-form forward Muiz Adeleke broke the deadlock with a composed finish, giving the Flying Eagles a deserved lead and shifting the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.

Nigeria continued to press, and Adeleke struck again in the 57th minute to double the advantage. The striker’s second of the evening continued his prolific run in the tournament and left Togo with a mountain to climb.

Adeleke’s brace took his tally to four goals in just two matches, reinforcing his status as one of the standout performers at this year’s WAFU B U-20 Championship.

Nigeria finish job, Togo bow out

With a two-goal cushion, the Flying Eagles controlled proceedings for much of the remaining period, limiting Togo’s attacking threat and dictating the tempo.

Their dominance was rewarded again five minutes from time when Abdullahi Agbeloye added a third, sealing a one-sided second half and putting the result beyond doubt.

The comprehensive win not only sends Nigeria into the last four but also underlines their credentials as serious contenders to retain the regional title.

The Flying Eagles will complete their Group B schedule against Burkina Faso on Sunday, while Togo exit the tournament after back-to-back defeats.