The draw for the group stage of the 2024 U17 WAFU Zone B Tournament has been finalized, setting the stage for an exciting competition among the participating nations. Hosted at the headquarters of the Ivorian Football Federation in Abidjan, the draw ceremony divided the seven participating teams into two groups.
In Group A, host nation Ghana will lead the charge, joined by Ivory Coast and Benin. Meanwhile, Group B features defending champions Nigeria, along with Burkina Faso, Togo, and Niger.
The tournament promises intense battles as each team vies for one of the coveted semifinal spots. Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, under the guidance of coach Nduka Ugbade, are determined to defend their title after clinching victory in the previous edition against Burkina Faso’s U17 national team.
With only two teams advancing from Group A, the competition among Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin is expected to be fierce. In Group B, Nigeria faces stiff opposition from Burkina Faso, Togo, and Niger as they seek to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Scheduled to take place from May 15th to 28th in Accra, the 2024 WAFU B U17 tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the U-17 AFCON Tournament slated for 2025. As teams prepare for the regional showdown, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Manu Garba as the head coach of the Golden Eaglets.
Coach Garba has commenced preparations by inviting 51 talented players from various academies and youth teams across the country. A rigorous screening exercise will determine the final squad that will represent Nigeria in the prestigious tournament.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming clashes, football enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling action and standout performances from the emerging stars of African football.
