Cup holders Nigeria reached the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style on Sunday, after a come-from-behind 3-1 thumping of Niger Republic’s Junior Mena in Lome, in the process earning a ticket to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The neighbours to the north went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but just as they did against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, the seven-time African champions were unruffled. Instead, they found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three marvelous goals that took them to the Final, where they clash with West African arch rivals Ghana, who had earlier seen off Cote d’Ivoire 2-1.

Against the run of play, the Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33^rd minute, but Nigeria survived and shortly after, found the equalizer that their endeavour merited.

Clinton Jephta finished with aplomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35^th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu.

Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage.

The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through Olalekan Alonge.

President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1) but the team has continued to improve with every match since then.

“The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s Final.”

Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship.

In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way.

Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago.

A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper.

In the 39^th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar.

The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48^th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53^rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after.

The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62^nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles.

“We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.”

Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Cup holders Nigeria know they must attain a different shape and be at their very best when they confront the Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday if they are not to exit this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship at the group stage.

The seven-time African champions fell by a lone goal to Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons on Friday and their route to the last four has been made tougher by the Etalons’ lone-goal reverse against the Elephants two days ago.

The intricacies of a three-team group have fully come to the fore, with each team having to play only two matches, and a single loss meaning that a team could be on the way out of a tournament.

With the Ivorians and the Burkinabes tied at the top of the pile, Nigeria must win by two clear goals against the Ivorians to be sure of a place in the semi-finals, and the opportunity to keep pushing to defend her crown.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who watched the Flying Eagles lose to a second-half goal on Friday, expressed hope that the team re-invents itself and delivers the goods against the Ivorians.

“I am not happy about the result. We expected a win and the three points, particularly as they are in a three-team group which can be delicate. However, I believe the coaches and the players will sit up and come up with a strategy to overcome the Ivorians.

“Nigerians are expecting so much from the team. As defending champions, it will not be good for us not to qualify for the U20 AFCON, having reached the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup last year.”

Thursday’s encounter at the Municipal Stadium, Lome will commence at 4pm Nigeria time.