Lawani the hero as Nigeria reach WAFU B U-20 Championship final

Clinton Lawani says intensive penalty training and the faith shown in him by Nigeria’s coaching staff were behind his decisive performance in the Flying Eagles’ semi-final victory over Ivory Coast.

The goalkeeper saved two penalties as Nigeria defeated the hosts 4-3 in the shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The result sent the Flying Eagles through to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship.

Lawani was at the centre of the dramatic finish, producing the crucial saves that enabled Nigeria to overcome Ivory Coast and maintain their bid to retain the title.

Reflecting on his display, the goalkeeper said the team had prepared specifically for the possibility of a shootout during training. He also credited his coach for trusting him to take responsibility at a decisive moment.

“About the penalty, I will give kudos to my coach. He has belief in me,” Lawani told Daga Shotz.

“We have been practicing it on the pitch during training, so he believes that I can do it.

“One thing about the knockout stage is that you have to be prepared. Normally, Ivory Coast is a strong team, so we had to prepare during training because the game could end up in a penalty shootout.

“Thanks to the players who scored. If they hadn’t scored, the game would still have been on. Thanks to the players, and thanks to the management for giving me the opportunity.”

The Flying Eagles had to withstand the challenge of the tournament hosts before eventually prevailing from the spot. Lawani said the quality of Nigeria’s penalty takers was just as important as his own contribution in goal.

His saves gave the team an advantage, but Nigeria still needed their outfield players to convert their attempts to secure victory and a place in the final.

Lawani is now confident Nigeria can complete their campaign by lifting the trophy. He also called on supporters at home to continue backing the side and encouraging the players through the final.

“They should keep supporting us and keep praying for us. In the final, we know that we are going to come home with the trophy,” he added.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship as they attempt to successfully defend their title.

Burkina Faso earned the second final place after defeating Niger in the other semi-final.

The Flying Eagles will now focus on their final preparations for the match, with Lawani’s penalty-saving performance having provided a major boost to their hopes of finishing the tournament as champions.