Black Starlets Shine: Ghana Downs Nigeria 2-0 to Secure WAFU Final Spot and U17 AFCON Qualification
Ghana’s Black Starlets delivered a commanding performance to defeat their fierce rivals, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, with a convincing 2-0 victory in the semi-final of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship on Tuesday night at the Stade Charles Konan Banny.
The crucial victory not only propels Ghana into the tournament final but also successfully secures their qualification for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be hosted in Morocco.
The Black Starlets, coached by Prosper Narteh Ogum, were clinical in the first half, laying the foundation for their triumph against a Nigerian side that had topped their group unbeaten.
First-Half Blitz Seals the Deal
Ghana’s breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Michael Awuli finished off a slick attacking move to put the Black Starlets ahead. The goal energized the Ghanaian side, and just ten minutes later, they doubled their lead. Midfielder Robinho Yao Gavi curled in a brilliant strike from the edge of the box in the 31st minute, leaving the Nigerian goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite Nigeria’s efforts to get back into the match, particularly in the second half, the Ghanaian defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Solomon Kwame Kesse, remained resolute, denying the Golden Eaglets any route back into the game.
AFCON Ticket Secured, World Cup Dream Deferred for Nigeria
For the Black Starlets, the win is a sweet redemption and a major milestone, booking their place at the 2026 U-17 AFCON. Having struggled in the group stage with a draw, a heavy loss, and a late win to scrape into the semi-finals, their performance against the five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winners was a testament to their potential.
Conversely, the defeat is a devastating blow for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets. As only the top two teams from the WAFU Zone B tournament qualify for the continental showpiece, the semi-final loss means Nigeria will miss out on the U-17 AFCON for the second consecutive tournament, thereby also failing to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ghana now advances to the final of the WAFU Zone B Championship, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final (likely hosts Côte d’Ivoire), aiming to clinch the regional title before heading to the continental stage in Morocco in 2026.
