The stage is set for a big showdown as eternal rivals Nigeria and Ghana slug it out for the WAFU B U-20 Championship title on Wednesday (today) at Stade de Kégué in Lomé, the Togolese capital city.
The Flying Eagles will be aiming to retain their status as the kings of the region as two of Africa’s most storied youth teams meet in a match of epic proportions.
Nigeria bounced back from an opening-day defeat to Burkina Faso to reach the final after beating Ivory Coast and Niger Republic 2-1 and 3-1 in their second Group A match and semifinal, respectively.
While both countries have secured qualification for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year, the clash between two of West Africa’s football powerhouses evokes emotions with a sub-regional title and bragging rights at stake.
Nigeria coach Aliyu Zubairu will be expecting his charges to retain the trophy they won two years ago in Niamey, Niger.
Nigeria’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience, individual brilliance, and teamwork after navigating their way through a tough group comprising Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
They lost 1-0 to Burkina Faso before overcoming Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance to the semis, where they rallied from behind to beat the Junior Menas of Niger 3-1 to set up a final against eternal rivals Ghana.
Standing in their way, though, are the Black Satellites, who have grown into the championship after a slow start.
Ghana topped Group A after drawing twice against Togo (1-1) and Benin (2-2) and accounted for Niger 2-0 before they rallied from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in their semi-final match.
The final promises to be an exciting battle after both nations showcased their resilience and attacking prowess in the group stage and knockout phase.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship serves as the qualification for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where the four semi-finalists will qualify automatically.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso referee Bado Benoit will handle the highly anticipated final and will be assisted by Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien (Assistant I) from Ivory Coast, Djaria Bio Bangana Yacoubou (Assistant II) from Benin, and Kossi Fabrice Senyo (Fourth Official) from Togo.
Aboubacar Aboubacar Ousmana Fousseini from Niger will serve as reserve assistant referee, Kodjo Pafio Mawududji Dobou from Togo as the match commissioner, and Kokou Ognankotan Ntale from Togo as referee assessor.
Togo’s Palanga Pagui Essodina will serve as the general coordinator, with Hamey Amadou from Niger and Samuel Opoku Nti of Ghana as Technical Study Group members.
Mohamed Silimane Ganoua from Togo will play the role of media officer, Togo’s Atana Palakyem Atekpe as security officer, and Kayana Victorien Bikela also from Togo as the medical.
Others are Nasiru Sarkintudu Jibril (Assistant General Coordinator) from Nigeria, Paqui Jesuwane (Assistant General Coordinator) from Benin, Abouba Hainikoye Ismael (Digital Officer) from Niger, and Bienvenu Sinko (Safeguard Officer) from Ivory Coast.
