Nigeria Triumphs 3-1 Over Niger To Secure Spot In 2025 Africa U-20 Cup Of Nations.
Defending champions Nigeria advanced to the final of the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship in impressive fashion, defeating Niger Republic’s Junior Mena 3-1 in Lomé on Sunday. The victory not only sends the Flying Eagles to the tournament final but also secures their place in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Niger took an early lead, scoring just nine minutes into the semi-final at Stade Kegue. Yet, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions, remained composed and quickly found their rhythm, ultimately dominating the match with three spectacular goals. This resilience mirrored their performance against Côte d’Ivoire earlier in the tournament, where they also staged a comeback. Nigeria will now face fierce rivals Ghana, who earlier defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, in the championship final.
Niger nearly doubled their lead in the 33rd minute, but Nigeria managed to hold their ground. Soon after, the Flying Eagles were rewarded for their persistence when Clinton Jephta levelled the score in the 35th minute, finishing brilliantly from outside the box after a skilful build-up involving teammates Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta struck again 13 minutes into the second half, putting Nigeria in the lead. The Flying Eagles’ goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Harcourt, was instrumental in securing the advantage with a series of crucial saves. The victory was sealed in added time with a third goal by Olalekan Alonge.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the Flying Eagles’ spirit and resilience: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U-20 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.”
Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s chances against Ghana, stating that the NFF is “delighted with their performance” and believes the Flying Eagles “have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title in Wednesday’s final.”
