Flying Eagles Reach WAFU-B U-20 Final After Penalty Shootout Triumph Over Niger

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the final of the 2025 WAFU-B U-20 Boys Cup following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Niger Republic on Sunday.

The tense semifinal encounter, played in Ghana, ended goalless after regulation time, forcing the match into penalties.

Goalkeeper Chijioke Harcourt emerged as the hero for Nigeria, saving Niger’s opening spot-kick, while another Nigerien effort crashed against the crossbar.

The Flying Eagles held their nerve, converting three of their first four penalties.

Team captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up and calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, sealing the win and booking a spot in the final for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side.

Nigeria will now face the winner of the second semifinal between tournament hosts Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

The Flying Eagles, who are the defending champions of the WAFU-B U-20 tournament, are using the competition as a crucial part of their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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