Nigeria’s U20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, are through to the final of the WAFU B U20 Tournament in Ghana after surviving a tense penalty shootout against Niger Republic on Sunday.

The semifinal clash ended goalless in regulation time, but it was anything but dull. The Flying Eagles dominated possession and controlled the tempo but struggled to make their chances count. Three efforts in the first half failed to hit the target, while Niger Republic offered little threat going forward, registering no shots on goal before the break.

In the second half, Nigeria pressed harder, piling pressure on a resolute Nigerien defence that often sat deep with seven players behind the ball. Despite their attacking intent, the defending champions couldn’t find a breakthrough.

With no goals after 90 minutes, the match headed into penalties, and the drama continued.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt gave Nigeria a strong start by saving Niger Republic’s opening spot kick. But the shootout quickly evened out when Tahir Maigana missed Nigeria’s second penalty. In the end, composure made the difference, as the Flying Eagles converted four of their five attempts, while Niger could only manage three.

The 4–3 shootout victory sends Nigeria into the final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between hosts Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.