Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced another commanding performance at the ongoing WAFU B U20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, defeating Togo’s Sparrow Hawks 3-0 on Thursday to book an early place in the semi-finals and reinforce their credentials as one of the favourites for the regional title.

The seven-time African champions followed up their thrilling 4-2 victory over Ghana’s Black Satellites with another dominant display in Yamoussoukro, taking their tally to six points from two matches and guaranteeing qualification to the last four with a game to spare. Blueprint reports

Once again, striker Muiz Adeleke stole the headlines, scoring twice to take his tournament tally to four goals in just two matches before substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye added a late third to complete another convincing victory for Aliyu Zubairu’s side.

The result underlined Nigeria’s attacking strength and defensive discipline as the Flying Eagles continue preparations for future continental assignments.

*First half ends in stalemate

Despite the convincing scoreline, Nigeria had to work hard against a determined Togolese side that frustrated the Flying Eagles throughout the opening 45 minutes.

Fresh from their impressive victory over Ghana, Nigeria dominated possession in the early stages and dictated the tempo of the game, but found it difficult to break down Togo’s compact defensive setup.

The Sparrow Hawks remained disciplined and organised, limiting clear-cut opportunities while looking dangerous on quick counterattacks.

Togo nearly punished Nigeria in the 38th minute after exploiting a defensive lapse, but the Togolese attacker failed to hit the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

That scare appeared to wake the Flying Eagles, who increased the intensity of their attacks before halftime, although both teams went into the dressing room with the scores level at 0-0.

*Adeleke breaks the deadlock

Nigeria wasted little time after the restart.

Just one minute into the second half, Muiz Adeleke opened the scoring after capitalising on Nigeria’s bright start to put the Flying Eagles ahead.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour as the team began to dominate both possession and territory.

With confidence growing, the Flying Eagles continued to press high up the pitch while denying Togo opportunities to build meaningful attacks.

The Nigerian midfield controlled proceedings, allowing the attacking players to stretch the Togolese defence repeatedly.

*Brace seals another impressive outing

Adeleke doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 59th minute with another composed finish.

The striker raced onto a swift counterattack, rounded the Togolese goalkeeper with remarkable composure and calmly slotted the ball into the empty net for his second goal of the afternoon.

His clinical display further cemented his status as one of the standout performers of the competition.

The forward had earlier scored twice in Nigeria’s 4-2 opening-day victory over Ghana and has now established himself as the tournament’s leading scorer with four goals.

Nigeria continued creating opportunities after the second goal and almost extended their lead when an error by the Togolese goalkeeper presented another scoring chance.

However, the Flying Eagles failed to capitalise before coach Aliyu Zubairu refreshed his attacking options.

*Agbejoye completes dominant victory

Substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye added further gloss to the scoreline in the 85th minute.

Having replaced the impressive Adeleke, Agbejoye announced himself almost immediately by finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.

The goal effectively ended any hopes of a Togolese comeback as Nigeria comfortably managed the closing stages to secure another comprehensive victory.

The final whistle confirmed the Flying Eagles’ second successive win and a deserved place in the semi-finals.

*Flying Eagles maintain perfect record

Nigeria’s qualification reflects the team’s consistency and attacking quality throughout the tournament.

The Flying Eagles have now scored seven goals in two matches, highlighting their potency in front of goal while also demonstrating significant improvement defensively after conceding twice against Ghana in their opening fixture.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu will be particularly pleased with his side’s maturity in overcoming a stubborn Togolese defence after a difficult first half.

The tactical adjustments made during the interval paid immediate dividends, with Nigeria scoring barely a minute into the second half before taking complete control of the contest.

The result also boosts the team’s confidence ahead of the knockout stages, where stronger opposition is expected.

*Adeleke emerges as tournament star

Much of Nigeria’s success so far has revolved around the outstanding performances of Muiz Adeleke.

The striker has combined pace, movement and composure in front of goal to become the tournament’s most dangerous attacker.

His four-goal haul in two games has placed him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot award, while also strengthening his case for a bigger role in Nigeria’s future youth national teams.

Beyond his goals, Adeleke’s work rate and intelligent movement have created space for teammates, making him one of the Flying Eagles’ most influential players.

His partnership with the rest of Nigeria’s attacking unit has given opponents plenty of problems throughout the competition.

*Burkina Faso clash awaits

Having already secured qualification, Nigeria will conclude their Group B campaign against Burkina Faso on Sunday.

Although the Flying Eagles have already advanced, the encounter remains significant as both teams battle for top spot in the group and a potentially more favourable semi-final fixture.

Burkina Faso are expected to provide Nigeria with a sterner examination, offering Coach Zubairu another opportunity to assess his team’s readiness for the knockout rounds.

Victory would see the Flying Eagles maintain their perfect record heading into the semi-finals and further reinforce their status as title favourites.

*Eyes on another regional title

Nigeria entered the WAFU B Championship determined to reaffirm its dominance in West African youth football, and the Flying Eagles have so far lived up to expectations.

The seven-time African champions have combined attacking flair with tactical discipline, qualities that have made them one of the continent’s most successful youth teams over the years.

The current squad is also expected to serve as a pipeline for future national teams, with several players already attracting attention through their performances in Côte d’Ivoire.

With two commanding victories, seven goals scored and a semi-final ticket already secured, the Flying Eagles appear well positioned to challenge for the WAFU B title and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in youth football.