Nigeria Flamingos Set for WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Côte d’Ivoire

Nigeria’s Flamingos will depart on Monday for Côte d’Ivoire as they begin their campaign at the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Yamoussoukro.

The Flamingos will open their Group B campaign against Ghana on Wednesday, 16 September at the CKB Stadium, in a repeat of the 2024 WAFU-B final.

Nigeria drew 2-2 with Ghana in the 2024 final before losing on penalties, making Wednesday’s encounter a rematch with added significance.

The tournament runs from 15 to 27 September, with Nigeria drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Togo and Niger. Hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Benin make up Group A.

Nigeria’s preparations received a boost on Saturday when Acting NFF General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, visited the team’s camp and urged the players to go all out for the trophy.

Ikpeme described the competition as an important part of the Flamingos’ preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, scheduled for 17 October to 7 November. He encouraged the players to travel with confidence, focus and purpose.

Nigeria have already secured their place at the World Cup after successfully navigating the African qualifying series, making the WAFU-B tournament an opportunity for the Flamingos to gain more competitive experience ahead of their global campaign.

The immediate task, however, is Ghana.