Nigeria's Flying Eagles are targeting a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship with a full game to spare, should they defeat Togo's Junior Sparrow Hawks in their Group B fixture in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday.

Abdu Maikaba's side launched their title defence in commanding fashion, overcoming arch-rivals Ghana 4-2 in their opening match to take firm control of Group B. A second consecutive win would book their place in the last four before their final group stage encounter.

Togo under pressure

Togo arrive at this fixture with their backs to the wall after a 3-1 loss to Burkina Faso in their opening game. A second defeat in Yamoussoukro would effectively eliminate the Junior Sparrow Hawks from the competition ahead of their final group match against the Black Satellites of Ghana.

For Nigeria, the challenge will be to maintain the same attacking intensity that produced four goals against Ghana while tightening up at the back — Maikaba's men conceded twice in that opener, a detail the coach is expected to address.

What is at stake

The Flying Eagles have been one of the dominant forces in the WAFU B U-20 Championship in recent seasons and enter this edition as defending champions. Victory over Togo would not only seal their semi-final berth but also keep them firmly on track to retain the regional title.

Beyond the trophy itself, the stakes extend to continental qualification — the two finalists at this championship will earn spots in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which Ghana will host.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm Nigerian time in Yamoussoukro.