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Falconets start WAFU-B title challenge against Ghana with round robin format
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup will kick off on Friday, November 7, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, featuring a revamped competition format and a blockbuster opening weekend clash between Nigeria’s Falconets and defending champions Ghana.
Hosts Benin Republic will open the tournament against Ghana in the curtain-raiser on November 7, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling festival of West Africa’s brightest young female football talents. The following day, Nigeria will begin their campaign with a much-anticipated showdown against Ghana, before facing Benin on Sunday, November 9.
In a significant structural change, the 2025 edition will feature a league-style (round-robin) format, replacing the previous group-and-knockout system. Each participating nation will play one another home and away, with the team finishing top of the standings at the end of all fixtures emerging as the WAFU B U20 champion.
The six-day tournament, running from November 7 to 12, is designed to provide greater match exposure, competitive balance, and developmental opportunities for players across the region. The revised format aligns with WAFU’s strategic vision to strengthen the women’s youth football structure in West Africa through consistent and high-quality competition.
Under the guidance of Coach Moses Aduku, the Falconets are expected to parade a talented mix of experienced and emerging players as they aim to reinforce Nigeria’s dominance in the sub-region. They will meet Ghana again on November 11 before concluding their campaign against the hosts on November 12.
Beyond the battle for regional supremacy, the WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup serves as a vital talent discovery platform and preparation ground for upcoming CAF and FIFA youth tournaments.
With final preparations underway in Cotonou, excitement continues to build across the region — especially around the Nigeria–Ghana rivalry, one of African women’s football’s most captivating fixtures.
