Late Howler Costs Nigeria as Ivory Coast Clinch U20 WAFU B Glory
Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as a stoppage-time goalkeeping error gifted Côte d’Ivoire’s Young Elephants a 1-0 victory and the 2025 WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament title in Accra, Ghana.
In a tight and tactical final, both teams matched each other stride-for-stride, but it was the Ivorians who broke the deadlock deep into stoppage time — courtesy of Zakaria Tindano’s opportunistic finish after Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt fumbled a free-kick under little pressure.
“That’s a painful one. We matched them, but one lapse cost us the trophy,” said a Nigerian coach after the match.
Ivorians Run the Table — Perfect Tournament for the Young Elephants
Côte d’Ivoire were deserving winners, having won all five of their matches with clinical edge and structured brilliance. They beat Burkina Faso (2-1), Niger Republic (1-0), and Togo (2-0) in the group stage before edging host nation Ghana 2-1 in the semifinals.
Their title run was defined by defensive resilience, high pressing, and precise set-piece execution — all of which came together in the final moment that undid Nigeria’s effort.
Nigeria Show Spirit But Fall Short
The seven-time African champions fought hard in the final, with standout performances from Chibueze Izuogu, Daniel Daga, and Paschal Onyekachi who anchored the midfield with grit. However, Nigeria lacked cutting edge in the final third.
Despite entering the match with momentum, the Flying Eagles were unable to create clear chances, often overwhelmed by Ivorian midfield rotation and compactness at the back.
The match seemed destined for penalties until Harcourt’s late mistake — one that will haunt the camp for weeks.
What’s Next for the Flying Eagles?
Coach Ladan Bosso’s squad showed flashes of promise throughout the tournament but will need to regroup ahead of the 2025 U20 AFCON qualifiers and possible international friendlies in the coming window.
“We’ve got work to do. These boys are young — we’ll come back stronger,” Bosso said post-match.
