Defending champions Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will begin the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship crown with a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Ghana on Monday, as head coach Abdu Maikaba insists his side is determined to open the tournament with victory.
The Group B encounter will take place at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Nigeria time).
Maikaba said securing all three points in the opening fixture is essential to Nigeria’s ambition of winning the regional title for a third consecutive time.
According to the coach, the Flying Eagles are fully prepared for the challenge and understand the importance of making a strong statement from the opening match.
“Our objective is to retain the trophy, and that means we must start the competition with a victory. We are fully focused on beating Ghana,” Maikaba said.
Monday’s fixture revives one of African football’s fiercest rivalries.
The two nations last met in the final of the 2025 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Lomé, where Nigeria fought back from a goal down to defeat Ghana 2-1 and lift the trophy.
The long-standing football rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana stretches back more than seven decades, producing memorable contests across various age grades and both the men’s and women’s game.
A positive result against the Black Satellites would significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of reaching the semi-finals in the four-team Group B.
Following the opening match, the Flying Eagles will face Togo on July 30 before concluding their group campaign against Burkina Faso on August 2.
Both matches will also be played at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro, with kick-off fixed for 2:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. Nigeria time).
Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their impressive record in the competition as they seek another successful title defence and a place in the knockout stage.
