Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton emerged as the hero as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on penalties.
The thrilling semi-final finished 2-2 after extra time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
Côte d’Ivoire made a bright start and deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute.
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Nigeria fought back after the break, with captain Habila Simeon heading home the equaliser in the 68th minute. It was the first goal the hosts had conceded in the tournament.
The Flying Eagles then went in front for the first time when Abubakar Aliyu found the back of the net in the first half of extra time.
However, the Ivorians struck deep into added time to level the score at 2-2 and send the tie to penalties.
Simeon missed Nigeria’s second spot-kick, but Lawani produced two crucial saves in the shootout to seal a 4-3 victory and send the Flying Eagles into the final.
By Adeboye Amosu
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Source: Complete Sports
