Nigeria overcame a fierce match against Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to advance to the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship.
In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants.
Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, while the Ivorians did the same, resulting in all three teams in Group B finishing with three points each.
The Burkinabes scored one goal and conceded one in their victory over Nigeria, while they lost to the Ivorians by a single goal.
The victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, which they won in Niamey two years ago.
A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless.
The Ivorian goalkeeper pushed out striker Kparobo’s powerful shot for a corner, while Bidemi Amole’s hopeful long-range shot sailed wide.
The referee denied Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty in the 39th minute.
As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar.
The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles.
The goalkeeper chalked off Côte d’Ivoire’s effort in the 48th minute and denied Nigeria’s striker Kparobo in the 53rd. Amole, again, came close soon after.
The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after.
Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles.
“We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu. “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.”
Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.
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