The stage is set for a big showdown between eternal rivals Nigeria and Ghana for the WAFU B U-20 Championship title on Wednesday (today) at the Stade de Kege in Lomé, Togo’s capital.
The Flying Eagles will aim to maintain their status as regional champions as Africa’s two oldest youth teams square off in a match of epic proportions.
Nigeria bounced back from their opening day loss to Burkina Faso to reach the final by defeating Ivory Coast and Niger Republic 2-1 and 3-1 in the second leg and semi-final of Group A, respectively.
Both countries have qualified for next year’s Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations, but the clash between West Africa’s footballing powerhouses will stir up emotions with sub-regional titles and bragging rights at stake.
Nigeria national team coach Aliyu Zubairu will be hoping for a charge to retain the trophy he won in Niamey, Niger, two years ago.
Nigeria’s path to the final, which saw them through a tough group consisting of Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, has been marked by resilience, individual talent and teamwork.
After losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso, they defeated Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals, then came from behind to defeat Niger’s Junior Menace 3-1 and advance to the final against eternal rival Ghana.
However, what stands in their way is the Black Satellites, who have grown into the championship after falling behind.
Ghana advanced through Group A with two draws against Togo (1-1) and Benin (2-2), defeated Niger 2-0, and came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in the semi-finals.
The final is expected to be an exciting battle as both sides showed their resilience and attacking power in the group stage and knockout stages.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship also serves as a qualification for the 2025 Africa U20 Nations Cup and also serves as an African qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be held in Chile, with four players automatically advancing to the semi-finals. obtain the right to participate.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso’s referee Bad Benoit was in charge of the long-awaited final match, with Ivory Coast’s Eva Medard Wenceslas Etién (Assistant I), Benin’s Jalia Bio Bangana Yacoub (Assistant II), Burkina Faso’s Cossi Fabrice Segno (fourth referee) will assist. Take it home.
Mr. Abubakar Abubakar Ousmana Husseini from Niger will serve as the reserve assistant referee, Mr. Kojo Pafio Maudouzi Dobou from Togo will serve as the match commissioner, and Mr. Koko Ognankotan Ntare from Togo will serve as the referee evaluator.
Mr. Palanga Pagi Esodina from Togo will serve as the general coordinator, and Mr. Hamei Amadou from Niger and Mr. Samuel Opoku Nti from Ghana will be members of the technical research group.
Mohamed Sirimane Gannua from Togo will play the role of media officer, Atana Parakim Atekpe from Togo will play the role of security guard, and Kayana Victorien Bykulla, also from Togo, will play the medical officer.
Others include Mr. Nasir Salkintudu Jibril (Assistant General Coordinator) from Nigeria, Mr. Paki Jeswane (Assistant General Coordinator) from Benin, Mr. Abouba Heinikoe Ismael (Digital Officer) from Niger, and Mr. Bienvenu from Ivory Coast. Mr. Shinco (sheriff) is here.
