Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship.

In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way.

Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago.

A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper.

In the 39th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar.

The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after.

The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles.

“We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.”

Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, is sponsoring a groundbreaking football tournament aimed at showcasing young Nigerian talents to scouts from across the world.

The tournament, scheduled for October 23-24th at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, will provide aspiring footballers the chance to secure professional contracts that could transform their lives and communities.

Scouts from Israel, Romania, and Egypt are expected to attend the event, alongside representatives from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Rayo Alcobendas, further raising the stakes for these budding stars.

This initiative aligns with Dare’s passion to contribute in nurturing and developing sports talent in Nigeria, while giving.m back to society through the creation of opportunities for young people.

Organizers stated that the tournament underscores the importance of youth and sports development and the role it plays in empowering communities and fostering global opportunities for Nigerian athletes.

Paralympic Committee Nigeria (PCN) has concluded arrangements to host the country’s Paralympians after the recently concluded Paralympics held in Paris, France.

As contained in a statement issued by the President of the PCN, Sunday Odebode and made available to newsmen on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the Committee, Niyi Alebiosu, the gala /award nite will hold on Friday at Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

The Honourable Minister of Sports John Owan Enoh will be the chief host of the event during which distinguished personalities and athletes will be honoured with awards of excellence.

Odebode further stated in the statement that “this is a project of the PCN Board aimed at celebrating our athletes for their outstanding performance at the 2024 Paralympics, and to say a very big thank you to them all.

“Also, it will help boost their morale ahead of future international competitions.

This will also encourage all other athletes to improve on their performances. We are not limiting it to those who won medals at the Games but all our athletes.

“They have shown greatness and we have to appreciate them. This is the first time in the history of para sports and PCN and we hope to keep it going”.

He, however, informed that all efforts have been put in place to host a hitch free event that will mark the beginning of good fortune for para athletes in the country.