Five-time world champions Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will square off against Ghana’s Black Starlets in the second semi-final of the WAFU-B U-17 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro, on Tuesday.
The Eaglets are seeking redemption after missing out on the final of last year’s edition, a setback that denied them a place at the 2025 U-17 AFCON and the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Under coach Manu Garba, Nigeria have shown promise in the tournament, scoring four goals and conceding just once to top Group B with four points. They began with a 4-1 win over Benin Republic before settling for a goalless draw with Burkina Faso.
Ghana’s journey was more turbulent. After a 1-1 draw with Togo in their opening Group A match, they lost 3-0 to hosts Ivory Coast. Facing possible elimination, they rallied with two late goals in a 3-1 victory over Niger Republic to book a semi-final berth.
Clashes between Nigeria and Ghana at this level have historically favoured the Golden Eaglets. They beat the Black Starlets 4-2 in the opening game of the 2022 edition in Cape Coast and secured a 3-2 win in the bronze medal match of last year’s tournament in Accra.
Victory tonight would guarantee the Eaglets a place in the final and qualification for the 2026 U-17 AFCON. It would also keep alive their hopes of returning to the global stage, where they remain record five-time champions.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.
