Burkina Faso stunned Nigeria 2-0 on Sunday to win Group B and end the Flying Eagles’ impressive winning streak at the WAFU U-20 Championship.
The Young Stallions delivered a ruthless first-half performance, scoring twice before the break to condemn the defending champions to their first defeat of the tournament.
Burkina Faso took control in the 23rd minute when they capitalised on a corner kick, with a well-directed header beating the Nigerian goalkeeper.
The Flying Eagles struggled to find their rhythm and were punished again 13 minutes later when Burkina Faso doubled their lead through a long-range free kick.
Nigeria entered the contest on the back of two convincing victories, having defeated Ghana 4-2 before cruising past Togo 3-0.
However, they were unable to reproduce that attacking spark against a disciplined Burkina Faso side that protected its advantage effectively after the interval.
The defeat leaves Nigeria second in Group B, while Burkina Faso finish top with seven points.
The result sets up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown between Nigeria and hosts Côte d’Ivoire, who emerged as Group A winners.
Burkina Faso will face Niger, the Group A runners-up, in the other semi-final.
Both last-four matches are scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, with the winners earning places at the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
For the Flying Eagles, attention now turns to Côte d’Ivoire, with Nigeria needing a major response if they are to keep their title ambitions alive.
The defeat may have halted their perfect start, but the defending champions still have a clear route to the final and another opportunity to prove their credentials.
