Flying Eagles Draw Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo in WAFU B U20 Championship

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in a tough group for the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The draw, held on Wednesday, placed Nigeria in Group B alongside Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo. The Flying Eagles were seeded as the top team in the group after finishing as the highest-ranked side behind champions Côte d’Ivoire at the last edition.

Group A includes hosts and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Benin Republic.

One of the biggest matches in the group stage will see Nigeria face long-time rivals Ghana in another exciting chapter of their youth football rivalry. Burkina Faso are also expected to provide a strong test, while Togo will be hoping to cause an upset.

The WAFU B Championship is important because it serves as the qualification tournament for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana. Twelve teams will compete at the continental tournament, while the four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

CAF has already confirmed Ghana as the host of the 2027 U20 AFCON as part of the country’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations. It will be the second time Ghana hosts the competition after winning it in 1999.

Flying Eagles aiming for another title

Nigeria will head into the tournament under the guidance of experienced coach Abdul Maikaba, hoping to add another WAFU B title to their growing collection.

The Flying Eagles reached the final of the first edition in 2018 before losing to Senegal. They suffered a group-stage exit in 2020 but returned strongly in 2022 to win their first title.

Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-0 in the group stage, beat Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-finals and overcame Benin Republic 3-1 in the final to lift the trophy.

They successfully defended the title in 2024, defeating Niger in the semi-finals before beating Ghana 2-1 in the final. Kparobo Arierhi scored twice to inspire the Flying Eagles to victory.

At the last edition, Nigeria looked set to win a third consecutive title after topping their group and eliminating Niger on penalties in the semi-finals. However, they were beaten 1-0 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final after a late goal.

The Flying Eagles will now begin preparations for another challenging campaign as they target a third WAFU B title and qualification for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.