Flying Eagles to meet Cote D'Ivoire in WAFU-B U-20 semifinals
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take on hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after the last-four fixtures were confirmed on Sunday.
The encounter, scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, will determine one of the finalists as Nigeria seek to continue their impressive run in the regional championship.
The Flying Eagles advanced to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group B with six points, one point behind group winners Burkina Faso.
Nigeria opened their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 victory over rivals Ghana before recording a convincing 3-0 win against Togo to secure qualification for the semi-finals. Aliyu Zubairu’s side, however, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final group match on Sunday, a result that saw them surrender top spot in the group.
Despite the setback, the seven-time African champions remain firmly in contention for the title and now face what is expected to be their toughest assignment yet against the tournament hosts.
Côte d’Ivoire, buoyed by home support, will be aiming to capitalise on familiar surroundings, while Nigeria will look to draw on their rich pedigree at youth level to secure a place in the final.
The second semi-final will pit Group B winners Burkina Faso against Niger in another keenly anticipated contest for a place in the championship match.
For the Flying Eagles, victory over the hosts would not only secure a place in the final but also reinforce their status as one of the favourites to lift the WAFU B crown.
Semi-final fixtures (Wednesday, August 5):
• Côte d’Ivoire vs Nigeria
• Burkina Faso vs Niger
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