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WAFU B U20 Boys Final: Flying Eagles Plot Tactical Masterclass to Halt Rampaging Ivorians
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are gearing up for a fierce battle against the in-form Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament, scheduled for Wednesday at the Centre of Excellence, Prampram.
With both teams chasing regional supremacy, the highly anticipated clash promises fireworks as the Flying Eagles aim to reclaim glory and defend the title they won in Togo last year.
The Ivorians have been the standout team of the tournament, winning all four of their matches so far. They opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso and followed with narrow victories over Niger Republic (1-0) and Togo (2-0) in the group phase. Their credentials were further solidified with a resilient 2-1 comeback win over host nation Ghana in the semi-finals, showcasing their strength and mental toughness.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have displayed grit and determination throughout. After drawing their opening game 1-1 against Ghana—thanks to an 84th-minute equalizer by Mohammed Abdullahi—the Flying Eagles bounced back with a commanding 4-1 win over Benin Republic in their final group game. In the semi-finals, they held their nerve to edge Niger Republic 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The final marks another opportunity for Head Coach Aliyu Zubair to further cement his growing reputation, having already guided the team to WAFU B title success in 2022 and secured a FIFA U20 World Cup berth at the U20 AFCON in Egypt earlier this year.
<span;>> “We know Côte d’Ivoire are in great form, but we’ve studied them and we’re prepared,” said Zubair. “Finals are about focus, execution, and belief — and we’re ready to give everything.”
All eyes will be on Nigeria’s Mohammed Abdullahi and Ezekiel Kpangu, both of whom have been instrumental in the team’s campaign.
For Côte d’Ivoire, Abdoul Bamba and Ali Kone have proven to be potent threats in attack.
Adding to the occasion, WAFU B President and Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), will be in attendance alongside top officials for what promises to be a thrilling finale.
