U20 WAFU B: Water FC Goalkeeper, Nwosu, Daga, Outstanding Performance Book Final Ticket For Nigeria

U20 WAFU B: Water FC Goalkeeper, Nwosu, Daga, Outstanding Performance Book Final Ticket For Nigeria

By Niyi Busari

Ibrahim Yahaya's penalty in extra time was all Nigeria's Flying Eagles needed to qualify for the U20 Afican Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria U20 team secured a spot in the final of the WAFU B Championship with a hard earned 2-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire in the second semi final match of the tournament.

Nigeria required extra time to see off their opponent with a penalty in the second half of extra time converted by Ibrahim Yahaya proving to be the difference against a resolute Cote d’Ivoire team.

Man of the match for the second consecutive game, Daniel Daga, put Nigeria ahead in the opening five minutes of the game but with what was virtually the last kick of the game Seydou Traore levelled scores with a well taken free kick.

Water FC goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu despite the pressure came out of his line to make vital saves including one-on-one with striker to keep Nigeria in the match. The saves were important for the team to withstand the pressure from the Ivorians before Gombe United forward, Ibrahim Yahaya converted the penalty in the extra time to send the Young Elephants out of the U20 African Nations Cup

Guilty of missing several begging chances, the Flying Eagles were forced into extra time and same wastefulness continued in the first half of extra time. They however got respite when Yahaya converted from the spot.

It means they have now qualified for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations which will take place in Egypt next year. The qualification is a step up for coach Ladan Bosso who couldn’t power same team through the qualifiers last time out.