Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have turned to a different approach ahead of their decisive WAFU B U-20 Championship semi-final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, with the players reportedly embarking on fasting as they fight to keep their 2027 U-20 AFCON hopes alive, Footynaija.com reports.
The decision comes after Nigeria suffered a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final Group B game on Sunday. The result left the defending champions second in the group on six points, behind Burkina Faso, who finished with seven.
Nigeria had already started the tournament well and were in a strong position to finish top of the group. However, the defeat changed their route to the semi-finals and handed them a much tougher assignment against the tournament hosts.
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A win or draw against Burkina Faso would have given the Flying Eagles a better position in the group, but they now have to face Côte d’Ivoire for a place in the final.
Flying Eagles turn to fasting ahead of semi-final
SCORENigeria reports that the players have been ordered to fast on Monday as part of their preparations for Wednesday’s semi-final. The team will reportedly not train on the day before returning for a light workout ahead of the decisive encounter.
“The boys will not train today, they have been ordered to fast so that God can give them the day against the host country on Wednesday,” a source said, in the report.
The semi-final carries more than just a place in the WAFU B final. Only the two finalists from the regional tournament will qualify for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which Ghana will host.
That makes Wednesday’s meeting particularly important for the Flying Eagles. A defeat would end Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the continental tournament, while victory would take them into the final and secure their qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire will also have home support behind them, adding another challenge for Nigeria after the setback against Burkina Faso.
For Abdul Maikaba’s side, the task is now straightforward. They must respond when the two teams meet on Wednesday and find a way into the final.
