Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the NFF, has
applauded the National U20 team for their impressive run in the semifinals of
the AFCON U20 WAFU B tournament in Niger Republic.
Gusau, who watched their opening match, expressed his
admiration: “I commend the Flying Eagles for reaching the final of the WAFU B
U20 Championship and securing a place in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Despite losing 0-1 to Burkina Faso in their first game, the team has shown
remarkable improvement in every match since.”
“The NFF is thrilled with their performance. We
believe they have what it takes to successfully defend their title against
Ghana in Wednesday’s final.”
The reigning champions, Nigeria, advanced to the final
of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style, overcoming Niger Republic’s
Junior Mena 3-1 in Lome, which also secured their spot in next year’s Africa
U20 Cup of Nations.
Niger took an early lead just nine minutes into the
second semifinal at Stade Kegue, but Nigeria, undeterred, regrouped and
dominated the game. They scored three outstanding goals to secure their place
in the final against their West African rivals, Ghana, who had defeated Côte
d’Ivoire 2-1 earlier.
Despite Niger’s pressure, Nigeria found their rhythm,
leveling the score through Clinton Jephta in the 35th minute after a
well-coordinated series of passes involving Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and
Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta struck again 13 minutes into the second half,
putting Nigeria ahead, with goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt making crucial saves to
preserve the lead. Olalekan Alonge sealed the victory with a third goal in
stoppage time.
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