Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will face Ghana’s Black Starlets in a highly anticipated semifinal match at the ongoing WAFU-B U-17 Championship, set to take place at the Stade Charles Konan Banny at 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time this evening.
The Golden Eaglets have impressed throughout the tournament, winning two of their group games and conceding just one goal. With four points, they finished at the top of Group B, showcasing their offensive strength with four goals.
In contrast, Ghana’s Black Starlets have had a more challenging journey to the semifinals. After drawing 1-1 with Togo in their opening match, they suffered a setback with a goals deficit against the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire. Their qualification was in jeopardy after a 1-1 draw against Niger Republic, but two late goals in the second half secured their place in the final four.
Despite Ghana’s struggles, this semifinal encounter between two of West Africa’s footballing giants promises to be an exciting one. Historically, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have had the upper hand over the Black Starlets in the WAFU-B U-17 Championship. In the 2022 edition held in Cape Coast, the Eaglets triumphed 4-2 over their Ghanaian counterparts in the opening game. They also emerged victorious 3-2 in the bronze medal match of the last edition held in Accra, Ghana.
A win for the Golden Eaglets this evening would not only see them progress to the final but also secure qualification for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, a key milestone for the team.
