Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Togo on Thursday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
The defending champions produced a dominant second-half display, inspired by in-form striker Abdulmuiz “Muiz” Adeleke, who netted twice to continue his outstanding start to the tournament. Substitute Abdoulaye Agbeloye added a late third to seal an emphatic win and confirm Nigeria’s passage to the last four.
After a closely contested first half ended goalless, the Flying Eagles emerged from the break with renewed urgency. Adeleke broke the deadlock just a minute into the second half, calmly finishing to put Nigeria ahead and shift the momentum firmly in his side’s favour.
The 17-year-old doubled Nigeria’s advantage around the 58th minute with a moment of brilliance, rounding the Togolese goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net. His clinical display earned him the Man of the Match award and took his tournament tally to four goals in just two matches.
Agbeloye completed the rout in the 85th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area to score Nigeria’s third and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory leaves Coach Abdu Maikaba’s side at the top of Group B with a perfect six points from two matches, while Togo’s hopes of progressing were brought to an end.
Nigeria began their title defence with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Ghana, a match in which Adeleke also scored twice from the penalty spot, further highlighting his importance to the team.
Adeleke has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The Sporting Supreme FC forward, born on December 4, 2009, has impressed with his combination of strength, movement and clinical finishing. Standing at approximately 6ft 1in, the left-footed striker has already attracted interest from several European clubs, including Chelsea, and has previously trained at Stamford Bridge as well as with French club Strasbourg.
The Flying Eagles will conclude their group-stage campaign against Burkina Faso on Sunday. While qualification for the semi-finals is already secured, a victory or draw would likely see Nigeria finish as group winners.
Beyond the regional title, the tournament carries added significance, serving as a qualifier for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Flying Eagles determined to retain their WAFU B crown and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition of success in youth football.
