National Teams
Golden Eaglets eye AFCON U-17 spot in high-stakes semi-final clash with Ghana
By Dayo Awoniyi
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are set for a crucial showdown against arch-rivals Ghana in the second semi-final of the WAFU-B U-17 Championship, with a ticket to the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations on the line.
The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Tuesday at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. Nigeria time.
Five-time FIFA U-17 world champions Nigeria head into the tie in strong form, having topped Group B with four points — scoring four goals and conceding just once in the process.
In contrast, Ghana’s Black Starlets have had an inconsistent run, managing a 1–1 draw with Togo, a heavy 3–0 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, and a late comeback victory over Niger Republic to secure second place in Group A.
Beyond a place in the final, Tuesday’s clash carries added significance, as both semi-final winners automatically qualify for the 2026 U-17 AFCON.
Historically, Nigeria hold the edge in recent youth-level meetings between the two nations. The Eaglets defeated Ghana 4–2 in the opening match of the 2022 edition held in Cape Coast and later edged them 3–2 in the bronze-medal playoff of the same tournament.
With a more convincing group-stage performance and a legacy of success at this level, Nigeria are considered favourites. However, given the fierce rivalry between the two West African powerhouses, a tightly contested battle is expected under the floodlights in Yamoussoukro.
A win would not only extend the Golden Eaglets’ dominance in regional youth football but also move them a step closer to reclaiming the continental crown.
