Flying Eagles thump Niger Republic to qualify for 2025 U-20 AFCON

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2025 U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

Nigeria defeated Niger Republic 3-1 in the semi-final of the ongoing WAFU B U-20 championship on Sunday night in Lome, Togo.

The team had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to return from a goal down and reverse fortune in the explosive encounter at the Stade Kegue. 

Niger Republic stunned the Eagles when they scored first within the opening 10 minutes of the game.

Nigeria dug in, however, and restrained their free-attacking opponent’s onslaught in the opening 30 minutes. Then Clinton Jephta equalised for the Eagles in the 35th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box.

Jephta scored his second goal of the game and heaved Nigeria ahead immediately after the second half started.

Shortly, Olalekan Alonge cushioned the victory for the team with a well-taken goal later in the game.

The Eagles will face Ghana in the final of the WAFU B U-20 championship on Wednesday.

The WAFU B U20 Championship serves as the qualifiers for the 2025 U20 AFCON, and only the finalists book the tickets.

Next year’s U20 AFCON will also be African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, for which the four semi-finalists will automatically qualify.