By Songu Michael
Global powerhouses in youth football, Nigeria and Ghana, are set to compete for the bronze medals in the ongoing WAFU B U17 Championship in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday.
Given their impressive track record in this age group, both countries were expected to vie for the championship title in the final match of the tournament. However, the Eaglets were defeated by Cote d’Ivoire’s Baby Elephants, while the Starlets were eliminated by Burkina Faso’s Baby Etalons in the semi-finals.
With the West African Football Union yet to confirm the number of teams that will advance to the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations from WAFU B, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has urged the Eaglets to approach the third-place match with the same intensity as if it were the final.
“We are still awaiting clarification on the number of teams that will qualify for the U17 AFCON from this tournament. Some sources suggest only three teams, while others say four. Therefore, it is crucial for our players to give their all and secure a third-place finish.
“The Black Starlets will pose a formidable challenge. As the home team, they will have the backing of the fans. Nevertheless, our players possess the necessary skills to emerge victorious.”
The third-place playoff is scheduled to kick off at 3 pm local time in Ghana (4 pm in Nigeria) at the University of Accra Stadium, preceding the final match between Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire, which will start at 6 pm local time in Ghana (7 pm in Nigeria).
