Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria’s under-20 national teams will clash in the 2025 WAFU B U-20 Championship final following dramatic semi-final victories that showcased resilience and tactical grit. The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Wednesday in Prampram, Ghana, pits defending champions Nigeria against a spirited Ivorian side seeking regional dominance.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Baby Elephants staged a comeback to overcome hosts Ghana 2–1 in a tense semifinal on Sunday. Ghana’s Black Satellites seized an early advantage when Benjamin Tsivanjo found the net, electrifying the home crowd. However, the Ivorian squad regrouped, delivering a second-half performance marked by determined attacks and clinical finishing to overturn the deficit. The victory not only silenced local supporters but also extended Côte d’Ivoire’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles narrowly avoided an upset in their semi-final against Niger. After a stalemate in regulation time, with neither side breaching defenses during 90 minutes, the match escalated into a penalty shootout. Nigeria’s experience in high-pressure scenarios proved decisive as they edged Niger 4–3 on penalties, maintaining their bid to retain the regional title.
The final promises to test both teams’ tactical adaptability. Nigeria, renowned for their structured defense and counterattacking prowess, face an Ivorian lineup that has demonstrated composure under pressure. The fixture also renews a competitive West African rivalry, with previous encounters at youth levels often showcasing technical flair and physical intensity.
Host nation Ghana, whose aspirations were dashed by Côte d’Ivoire’s semifinal resurgence, will now focus on qualifying for continental tournaments, while Niger’s underdogs exit with credibility after pushing the defending champions to their limits.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship serves as a critical platform for emerging talent in the region, with scouts and fans closely tracking standout performers. Wednesday’s final in Prampram is expected to draw significant regional attention, highlighting the growing prominence of youth football in West Africa.
