Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerged as Nigeria’s match-winner as the Flying Eagles defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties to secure a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship.
The tense semi-final clash ended 2-2 after extra time, forcing both teams into a shootout to determine the winner.
Côte d’Ivoire started strongly and took control of the game, opening the scoring in the 18th minute.
Nigeria fought back in the second half, with captain Habila Simeon heading in the equaliser in the 68th minute, becoming the first player to breach the hosts’ defence in the tournament.
The Flying Eagles went ahead in the first period of extra time through Abubakar Aliyu, but Côte d’Ivoire restored parity deep into stoppage time to take the match into penalties.
Simeon missed Nigeria’s second kick in the shootout, but goalkeeper Lawani produced two crucial saves to secure victory and send the Flying Eagles through to the final.
