Nigeria’s hopes of retaining their WAFU B U20 title were dashed as Ivory Coast snatched a dramatic 1 0 win on Wednesday.
Zakaria Tindano scored the decisive goal in the 92nd minute, pouncing after Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt failed to properly gather a ball delivered from a set piece.
The shot stopper, who had been outstanding throughout the tournament, failed to hold on under pressure, allowing Tindano to fire home from close range.
The Flying Eagles were the better side in the first half, dictating play and creating the more promising chances.
However, Ivory Coast grew into the game after the break and pushed for a breakthrough in the closing stages.
The late winner handed Les Éléphanteaux a perfect finish to their campaign and left Aliyu Zubairu’s boys stunned, falling just short of defending their crown.
