Goalkeeper Lawani Clinton was the hero as the Flying Eagles booked a place in the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship courtesy of a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
The keenly contested semi-final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time.
Côte d’Ivoire dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead in the 18th minute.
Captain Habila Simeon drew Nigeria level in the 68th minute with a header.
It was the first goal conceded by the hosts in the competition.
Abubakar Aliyu gave Nigeria the lead for the first time in the first half of extra time.
Côte d’Ivoire, however, equalised in added time to make it 2-2.
There were no goals thereafter, and the tie had to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Simeon missed Nigeria’s second spot-kick, but Lawani made two saves to help the Flying Eagles reach the final.
WAFU B U-20 Championship: Flying Eagles beat Côte d’Ivoire on penalties, reach final