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Nigeria thrash Niger Republic 3-1, qualify for 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations

Posted : 28 October 2024

Cup holders Nigeria reached the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style on Sunday, securing a 3-1 comeback victory against Niger Republic’s Junior Mena in Lome, earning a ticket to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.


The neighbors to the north took the lead after just nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but as they did against Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday, the seven-time African champions remained unruffled.

 

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Instead, they found better shape and dominated thereafter, scoring three marvelous goals that propelled them to the final, where they will clash with West African arch-rivals Ghana, who had earlier defeated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1.


Against the run of play, Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33rd minute, but Nigeria survived and soon found the equalizer their efforts deserved.


Clinton Jephta finished brilliantly from outside the box to level the score for the Flying Eagles in the 35th minute after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and Nasiru Salihu.


Jephta was on target again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match. Goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt also deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s lead.


The Flying Eagles netted their third goal in added time through Olalekan Alonge.


The President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, stated: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and, in the process, securing a spot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.


“I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1), but the team has continued to improve with every match since then.


“The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s final.”

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