By tf-lawyer.com Nigeria made a thrilling comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in Lome, Togo on Thursday, advancing to the semi-finals of the WAFU B U20 Championship. This win means Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated due to an inferior goal count, despite all three teams in Group B—Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso—finishing with three points each. Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire both scored and conceded two goals, while Burkina Faso managed a 1-1 record with a narrow victory over Nigeria and a loss to the Ivorians.
With this victory, head coach Aliyu Zubair’s team continues their quest to defend the title they won in Niamey two years ago. The first half at the Municipal Stadium was intense but ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole had a promising shot from distance that sailed wide, and striker Kparobo’s powerful attempt was deflected for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper. A penalty appeal from Nigeria in the 39th minute was turned down by the referee, and just before halftime, Amole’s shot hit the crossbar.
The Flying Eagles came out with renewed urgency in the second half. Côte d’Ivoire had a goal disallowed in the 48th minute, and Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper shortly after in the 53rd. Amole once again came close to scoring soon thereafter. Côte d’Ivoire finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta quickly equalized for Nigeria. Kparobo Arierhi then netted the winning goal, sealing a 2-1 triumph for the Flying Eagles.
Coach Aliyu Zubair expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We showed resilience and determination. We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.” Nigeria will face Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-final matchup.
