Chelsea Target Adeleke Headlines 2026 WAFU B U-20 Best XI as Nigeria Duo Shine
Nigeria’s Abdulmuiz Adeleke and Odinaka Alfred make the cut after impressive group stage displays
WAFU B U-20 Group Stage Best XI
The group stage of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire produced several standout individual displays as teams battled for semi-final places and 2027 U-20 AFCON qualification. After three matchdays, these 11 players have earned selection in the Group Stage Best XI for their consistency, impact, and quality.
Nigeria’s Abdulmuiz Adeleke headlines the team after a prolific group stage that yielded four goals, including braces against Ghana and Togo. Burkina Faso, who topped Group B, are strongly represented, while Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger and Togo also feature.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
🇨🇮 Kouassi – Côte d’Ivoire
Defenders
🇧🇫 Dabo – Burkina Faso
🇳🇬 Odinaka Alfred – Nigeria
🇨🇮 Koné – Côte d’Ivoire
🇧🇫 Donaten – Burkina Faso
Midfielders
🇹🇬 Gbande – Togo
🇳🇪 Youssouf – Niger
🇧🇫 Mohamed Zongo – Burkina Faso
Forwards
🇨🇮 Eloye – Côte d’Ivoire
🇳🇬 Abdulmuiz Adeleke – Nigeria
🇬🇭 Kelvin Nkrumah – Ghana
Key notes
Adeleke was the clear standout of the group phase. The Sporting Supreme forward scored twice from the penalty spot in Nigeria’s 4-2 win over Ghana and added another brace in the 3-0 victory over Togo, earning Man of the Match recognition in the latter. His movement, composure, and finishing have also drawn interest from European clubs, including Chelsea.
Odinaka Alfred provided defensive solidity for the Flying Eagles as they finished second in Group B. Ghana captain Kelvin Nkrumah impressed with his leadership and contribution from midfield/attack despite the Black Satellites’ early exit. Burkina Faso’s defensive pair and midfielder Mohamed Zongo (who scored a spectacular free-kick in the 2-0 win over Nigeria) reflected the Young Stallions’ disciplined campaign that saw them finish top of the group.
The semi-finals will see Nigeria face hosts Côte d’Ivoire, while Burkina Faso take on Niger. Several of these Best XI players will be central to their sides’ hopes of progressing and securing a place at the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
#WAFUBU20 #FlyingEagles #BestXI #AfricanFootball #YouthFootball
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