Nigerians and South Africans are bracing for a thrilling clash as Flying Eagles prepare to face Baby Elephants in the final of the WAFU B U20 Boys Championship.
Both teams had to fight hard to earn their spots in the last match of the tournament, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable battle.
On Sunday night in Ghana, the Flying Eagles were stretched to their limits by a determined Niger side.
The match took place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where Nigeria dominated the game but could not break the deadlock in regulation time.
The encounter ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, sending the game into penalties.
In the shootout, Nigeria held their nerve and came out on top with a 4-3 victory. The standout moment came when young goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt made a vital save that sealed the win. His performance did not go unnoticed, as he was named Man of the Match.
Later that evening, the hosts Ghana took on Côte d’Ivoire in a heated contest that saw drama from the first whistle. Ghana took an early lead just two minutes into the match through Benjamin Tsivanyo. But the Baby Elephants responded with calm and class.
Abdoul Bamba brought the game level in the 12th minute, and in the 70th minute, Ali Kone fired home the winner. His control and confidence throughout the match earned him the Man of the Match award.
The final now sets up a heavyweight contest between two sides that have built a growing rivalry in youth football. Nigeria has had the better of Côte d’Ivoire in recent years.
In October 2024, the Flying Eagles beat the Ivorians 2-1 during the group stage of the same tournament before going on to lift the trophy after defeating Ghana in the final.
That was not the first time Nigeria had the edge. Back in May 2022, they also defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the semifinal of the WAFU B U20 tournament in Niamey. More recently, Nigeria secured a 2-0 win over the Baby Elephants in an international friendly match.
But Sunday’s final is not just another meeting. For Nigeria, it is a chance to defend their crown and continue their dominance in the region. For Côte d’Ivoire, it is a shot at revenge and redemption after several painful defeats.
The match is set to take place again at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, where both teams already have memories from their semifinal battles.
