Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets secured a semi-final clash against Ghana at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers after playing out a tense goalless draw with Burkina Faso on Saturday evening in Cote D’Ivoire
The result confirmed Nigeria’s progression to the last four as Group B winners on superior goal difference.
This is due to their earlier victory against Benin Republic, while Burkina Faso finished second and will now face Group A winners Ivory Coast in the other semi-final fixture.
Ghana’s Black Starlets, who already qualified after a convincing 3-1 triumph against Niger on Friday, awaited the outcome of Nigeria’s clash with Burkina Faso before discovering their semi-final opponent.
They are to now prepare for a mouthwatering derby against their West African rival.
Saturday’s clash lived up to expectations as Nigeria and Burkina Faso displayed great intensity, created scoring opportunities but both teams ultimately failed to produce a decisive breakthrough despite sustained attacking efforts throughout the ninety minutes of action.
Nigeria’s stalemate delivered another “Jollof Derby” encounter with Ghana, which promises to deliver one of the most entertaining and fiercely contested games of the tournament.
Ghana’s coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and his determined players have already shifted focus towards tactical drills and recovery sessions.
The Ghanaians are preparing diligently for the decisive semi-final showdown against Nigeria on Tuesday evening.
The Black Starlets are motivated to secure a ticket to the continental finals, while the Golden Eaglets, record five-time world champions, equally aim to stamp their dominance in this prestigious qualifying campaign.
The semi-final stage promises fireworks, as Ghana and Nigeria reignite their historic rivalry.
With a spot at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations finals firmly at stake, ensuring fans across the region will witness another thrilling chapter of youth football history.
