Flying Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Futbalgalore.com.ng.
Managed by Ali Zubair, the Nigeria team dismissed the threats of their Niger counterparts with a 3-1 victory in the semi final of the WAFU Cup on Sunday night.
Nigeria is set to face its fierce rivals, Ghana, in the final of the WAFU age-grade tournament.
The northern neighbors took the lead just nine minutes into the second semi-final at Stade Kegue. However, similar to their previous match against Côte d’Ivoire, the seven-time African champions remained composed.
They quickly reorganized and took control of the game, scoring three impressive goals that secured their place in the Final, where they will face their West African rivals, Ghana, who had earlier defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1.
Despite being outplayed, Junior Mena nearly extended their lead in the 33rd minute, but Nigeria managed to hold on and soon found the equalizer they deserved.
Clinton Jephta skillfully equalized for the Flying Eagles in the 35th minute with a stunning shot from outside the box, following a brilliant sequence of passes involving Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta struck again just after the second half began, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match.
The Flying Eagles sealed their victory with a third goal in added time, netted by Olalekan Alonge.
Flying Eagles Starting XI (4-3-3) vs Niger: Ebenezer Harcourt – Kenneth Igboke, Adamu Maigari, Daniel Bameyi (Captain), Haruna Aliyu – Suleyman Alabi, Israel Ayuma, Nasiru Salihu – Bidemi Amole, Arierhi Kparobo, Clinton Jephta
