WAFU-B U-17: Ivory Coast crowned champions, Nigeria finish third

The WAFU-Zone B qualifying tournament for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, held from September 20 to October 3, 2025 in Yamoussoukro, has delivered its verdict. Ivory Coast were crowned champions after a thrilling final against Ghana while Nigeria secured third place.

A thrilling final between the Baby Elephants and the Black Starlets

The much-anticipated clash between Ivory Coast and Ghana lived up to expectations. In a Charles Konan Banny Stadium fully behind the Young Elephants, both teams produced a high quality encounter. Despite numerous chances on both sides, regular time ended in a goalless draw (0-0).

The title had to be decided in a penalty shootout, where the Ivorians proved more clinical, winning 4-3 thanks in large part to their goalkeeper Adama Diabaté, who made two crucial saves. Unsurprisingly, he was named Man of the Match in the final and also received the award for Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.

WAFU-B U-17 Championship: Individual Awards

• Best Goalkeeper: Adama Diabaté (Ivory Coast)
• Top Scorers: Bema Doumbia (Ivory Coast), Robinho Yao Gavi (Ghana), and Godwin Meyaga (Nigeria): with three goals each.
• Best Player of the Tournament: Cheick Malo (Ivory Coast)

In the third-place playoff, Nigeria, who also finished third in the previous edition held in Ghana, defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 to once again claim the bronze medal.

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