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.
