On Sunday night at Stade de Kégué, the Flying Eagles defeated Niger 3-1 in the WAFU B U20 Championship semifinal after trailing by one goal.
Due to injury, defensive midfielder Sabiu Ibrahim was unable to play, so Aliyu Zubairu only made one substitution from the starting lineup against Ivory Coast with Suleyman of El Kanemi Warriors handed a starting jersey.
Niger took the lead in the 9th minute with a quick strike from outside the penalty area and might have extended their lead in the 33rd minute, but the woodwork came to the Flying Eagles’ rescue.
Nigeria would then equalise with a stunning play, which was completed by Clinton Jephta’s quick goal.
The defending champions’ second goal of the evening was also scored by Jephta, who swept the ball home from a low cross.
When they sent a risky cross into the penalty area, Niger had a chance to equalise, but nobody was there to put the ball in the net.
It was a fantastic penalty kick by the Flying Eagles that completed the score.
Nigeria will now automatically qualify for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after booking their spot in the final against Ghana.
