Nigeria, Ghana Set To Clash At WAFU B Under-20 Championship Final

 

The stage is set for an exciting clash as Nigeria and Ghana, two West African rivals, face off for the WAFU B Under-20 Championship title at 7 p.m. today, October 30, at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

The Flying Eagles are determined to uphold their title as champions of the region in what promises to be a thrilling matchup between two of Africa’s renowned youth teams.

After a challenging start to the tournament, Nigeria rebounded from an initial defeat against Burkina Faso, advancing to the final with victories over Ivory Coast and Niger Republic, winning 2-1 and 3-1, respectively.

Both teams have already secured their spots in the upcoming Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, but the showdown is about more than just qualification; it carries significant emotional weight, with regional pride and a sub-regional title on the line.

Nigeria’s coach, Aliyu Zubairu, is optimistic about his team’s chances of defending the trophy they claimed two years ago in Niamey, Niger.

Their journey to the final has been characterized by resilience, skill, and cooperation, showcasing their ability to overcome tough challenges in Group A, including a hard-fought victory against the Ivory Coast.

Standing in their way are the Black Satellites of Ghana, who have gained momentum throughout the tournament despite a slow start.

Ghana secured the top spot in Group A by drawing twice against Togo and Benin, and they advanced to the final by defeating Niger 2-0 and overcoming Ivory Coast 2-1 in a spirited semifinal match.

The final promises to be a captivating contest, as both nations have demonstrated their determination and attacking capabilities throughout the tournament.

The WAFU B Under-20 Championship not only crowns a regional champion but also serves as a qualifying event for the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations, which also acts as the African qualifier for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

The match will be officiated by referee Bado Benoit from Burkina Faso, assisted by officials from Ivory Coast, Benin, and Togo. Additional support roles include a dedicated technical study group, media officers, and security personnel.