The stage is set for a fiery start to the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship as Ghana squares off with arch-rivals Nigeria in the tournament’s opening match on Thursday, July 10. The clash, scheduled for 15:00 GMT, will reignite one of African football’s fiercest rivalries, as both nations aim to assert early dominance in Group A.
The meeting brings back memories of their dramatic encounter in the final of the previous edition held in Togo, where Nigeria triumphed to claim the title. Now, on home soil, Ghana's Black Satellites will be out for revenge and a statement victory to kickstart their campaign in style.
Group A comprises just three teams — Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin — meaning every match carries significant weight. Thursday’s encounter will be the only fixture in the group’s opening round, as Benin will be on standby.
Friday’s action will shift to Group B, which boasts a larger pool with Ivory Coast, Niger, Togo, and Burkina Faso all competing for two semi-final slots. The format ensures competitive balance and allows ample rest between matches, promising fans a high-quality tournament.
Ghana’s head coach Desmond Ofei has emphasized the importance of starting strong, especially against a side as tactically disciplined and historically formidable as Nigeria. “We are focused, we are prepared, and we are playing at home. The boys understand the weight of this fixture,” Ofei noted during the pre-match press conference.
With local and regional fans expected to throng the Ghanaman Soccer Center of Excellence in Prampram, the opening match of the 2025 WAFU U20 Championship promises passion, intensity, and high-level football — a fitting start to what is set to be a memorable tournament.
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