Nigeria joined Burkina Faso at the top of group B of the WAFU B U17 Championship after a lone goal defeat of Niger Republic at the University of Accra Stadium on Sunday.

Rapha Adams’ powerful header in the 31^st minute was the difference between the two West African neighbours in a match that Nigeria played the final 27 minutes with 10 men after Chibuike Okorie was shown the red card.

Victory means the five-time world champions climbed to four points, same as Burkina Faso, ahead of the closing day of group B attrition on Wednesday when the Eaglets confront group whipping boys Togo at the Accra Sports Stadium, while Burkina Faso square up to three-pointer Niger Republic at the University of Accra Stadium.

A draw against the Togolese team on Wednesday will guarantee the Eaglets a place in the tournament’s semi finals.

GROUP B RESULTS

Burkina Faso 0 Nigeria 0

Niger Rep 3 Togo 2

Togo 0 Burkina Faso 2

Nigeria 1 Niger Republic 0

Ghana’s U17 team, the Black Starlets, kicked off their campaign in the 2024 WAFU Zone B U17 Championship with an emphatic 5-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday. 

Led by former international star Laryea Kingston, the Black Starlets showcased their talent and ambition, leaving fans at the edge of their seats at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.

From the opening whistle, Ghana asserted their dominance, with Joseph Narbi leading the charge with a superb brace in the first half. 

Narbi’s clinical finishing set the tone for Ghana’s attacking prowess, leaving Ivorians struggling to keep pace despite the early dominance of the visitors.

The Black Starlets continued their onslaught in the second half, as Godfred Srapong, Harve Gbafa, and Mark Kagawa each found the back of the net to seal a resounding victory for Ghana. 

Despite Cote d’Ivoire’s valiant efforts to mount a comeback, Ghana’s relentless pressure proved too much to handle. 

Harve Gbafa’s towering header and Mark Kagawa’s exquisite curler epitomized the Black Starlets’ dominance, ensuring a memorable triumph on home soil.

With this commanding performance, Ghana’s chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition look promising. 

The Black Starlets have set the bar high with their scintillating victory, sending a clear message to their rivals in Group A – Cote d’Ivoire and Benin – that they mean business.

Looking ahead, defending champions Nigeria face a formidable challenge in Group B, where they will clash with Burkina Faso, Togo, and Niger. 

With Burkina Faso’s impressive track record and Nigeria’s determination to defend their title, anticipation is high for thrilling encounters in the days to come.

Thursday’s fixtures promise more excitement as Burkina Faso takes on Nigeria, while Togo squares off against Niger in Group B battles. 

-CAF

Ghanaian official Adaari Abdul Latif will be the referee for Thursday’s WAFU B U17 Championship group B opener between five-time world champions Nigeria and the Burkina Faso U17 boys at the Accra University Stadium.

Latif will work with compatriot Emmanuel Dolagbanu (assistant referee 1) and Nigeriens Sakina Hamidou (assistant referee 2) and Brahamou Sadou Ali (fourth official) at the game that will kick off 3pm Ghana time (4pm Nigeria time). Latre-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban from Togo will be the commissioner while Ivorian Songuifolo Yeo will serve as referee assessor.

The championship serves as a qualifying competition for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.