Flying Eagles (PHOTO CREDIT: The NFF)
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso on Sunday but still progressed to the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship as Group B runners-up.
Abdu Maikaba’s side had opened the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Ghana before defeating Togo 3-0 to put themselves in a strong position for qualification.
However, they were outplayed by Burkina Faso, who secured top spot in the group with seven points from three matches.
Nigeria finished second on six points, while Ghana ended third with two points after a goalless draw against Togo. Togo finished bottom with one point.
Burkina Faso took the lead in the 23rd minute when Alassana Bagayogo headed home from a corner.
The Young Stallions doubled their advantage 13 minutes later as Mohamed Zongo curled a superb free-kick from about 30 yards beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The Flying Eagles improved after the break but struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Burkina Faso remaining compact at the back to preserve their two-goal lead.
The result means Burkina Faso will face Niger in one semi-final, while Nigeria will take on hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the other.
The winners of both semi-finals will qualify for the final and secure places at the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.
