Nigeria’s Flying Eagles suffered their first defeat at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, losing 2-0 to Burkina Faso in their final Group B match on Sunday, but still advanced to the semi-finals of the competition.

The seven-time African champions were second best in the opening half as Burkina Faso capitalised on defensive lapses to secure victory with two first-half goals.

Alassane Bagayogo gave the Young Stallions the lead before Mohamed Zongo doubled the advantage before the break, leaving the Flying Eagles with a difficult task in the second half.

Nigeria improved after the restart and enjoyed more possession, but Aliyu Zubairu’s side failed to break down a disciplined Burkina Faso defence, which held on to claim all three points and top spot in Group B.

Despite the defeat, the Flying Eagles finished second in the group with six points from three matches, while Burkina Faso ended the group stage unbeaten with seven points.

Nigeria had already secured qualification for the semi-finals before the final group fixture, although the loss denied the team the opportunity to progress as group winners.

The Flying Eagles will now face hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals, while Burkina Faso will take on Niger Republic for the other place in the final.

The semi-finals carry added significance, with the two finalists qualifying automatically for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s most successful youth football nations, will be looking to bounce back from the setback against Burkina Faso and produce a stronger performance against the hosts as they chase a place in the final, the WAFU B title and qualification for the continental championship.