Flying Eagles Fall To Burkina Faso, Secure WAFU B U-20 Semi-final Spot

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered their first defeat at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship after a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso in their final Group B match on Sunday, but still progressed to the semi-finals of the regional competition.

The seven-time African champions were outplayed in the opening half as Burkina Faso capitalised on defensive lapses to seal victory with two well-taken goals.

Alassane Bagayogo opened the scoring for the Young Stallions before Mohamed Zongo doubled the advantage before the interval, leaving the Flying Eagles with a mountain to climb.

Despite improving after the break, Nigeria were unable to find a way back into the contest as Burkina Faso held firm to secure all three points and top spot in Group B.

The defeat saw the Flying Eagles finish second in the group with six points from three matches, while Burkina Faso ended the group stage unbeaten on seven points.

Nigeria had already secured qualification for the last four before the final group fixture, but the result denied Aliyu Zubairu’s side the chance to finish as group winners.

The Flying Eagles will now face tournament hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a highly anticipated semi-final clash, while Burkina Faso will battle Niger Republic for a place in the final.

The semi-finals carry added significance, with the two finalists earning qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, one of the most successful teams in African youth football, will be aiming to quickly recover from Sunday’s setback as they seek a place in the final and a return to the continental championship.

The Flying Eagles will be expected to produce a much-improved display against the hosts if they are to keep alive their hopes of lifting the WAFU B title and securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.