Flying Eagles qualify for under-20 AFCON

The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s national under-20 male football team, defeated Cote d’Ivoire in the first semi-final match of the 2018 WAFU B Under-20 Championship in Niamey on Tuesday to advance to the final.

The 2-1 victory not only qualified them for Saturday’s final, but also for the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations, which will be held in Egypt next year.

Daniel Daga, a midfielder, put the Flying Eagles ahead after only five minutes when he brilliantly eluded the Ivorian defenders to nod in from a well-weighted pullback.

The seven-time African champions launched onslaught after onslaught on the Ivorian goal, but they were unable to add to their tally.

Just before half-time, a cleverly taken free-kick from the edge of Nigeria’s penalty area brought the Ivorians level.

The game proceeded into extra time when neither team could score another goal before the end of ordinary time inside the Stade General Seyni Kountché in Niamey.

Forward Ibrahim Yahaya scored the game-winning goal for Nigeria in the 111th minute of play, converting a penalty kick to make it 2-1.

In Saturday’s final encounter, the Flying Eagles will face Benin Republic, who are their neighbors.

(NAN)