WAFU U-17: Golden Eaglets edge past Burkina Faso into final, qualify for AFCON

THE Golden Eaglets got their first win at the West African Football Union U-17 tournament in Togo and qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigerian boys defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the first semi-final of the tournament in Lome on Friday.

Michael Papo scored the only goal of the tense encounter. After a tight and goalless first half, Papo broke the deadlock for Fatao Amoo’s boys with the all-important goal in the 77th minute.

The Eaglets have earned one of the two spots from the regional tournament for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco in July.

The Nigerians had looked dead and buried after failing to win any of their two group matches, drawing with Ghana and losing to Cote d’Ivoire.

The Eaglets needed the Ivorians to do them a favour by beating Ghana with at least a two-goal margin, and the young Elephants obliged, winning 3-1.

Nigeria could meet Cote d’Ivoire again if the Ivorians defeat Niger Republic in the second semi-final billed for Friday night.