Flying Eagles triumph over Niger Republic, clinch 2025 U-20 AFCON spot

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria celebrated a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Niger Republic in the semi-final of the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship, held on Sunday night in Lome, Togo.

This win secures Nigeria’s place in the 2025 U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a pivotal achievement for the team.

In a thrilling clash at the Stade Kegue, the Flying Eagles had to rally back after Niger Republic shocked them with an early goal within the first 10 minutes.

Demonstrating resilience, Nigeria contained their opponent’s aggressive offense for the next 30 minutes, allowing Clinton Jephta to equalize in the 35th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.

Jephta struck again right at the start of the second half, giving Nigeria the lead. Later in the game, Olalekan Alonge added a third goal, sealing the Flying Eagles’ victory and securing their AFCON qualification in style.

The Eagles will face Ghana in the final of the WAFU B U-20 championship on Wednesday.

The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as the qualifiers for the 2025 U20 AFCON, and only the finalists book the tickets.

Next year’s U20 AFCON will also be African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, for which the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify.