West African youth football returns to centre stage this Thursday as two of the continent’s most decorated U20 sides — Ghana and Nigeria — face off in the opening fixture of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, according to Soccernet.ng.
This isn’t just another tournament opener. It’s a fierce, high-stakes showdown between two old rivals with rich youth football histories.
The Flying Eagles come in as the reigning WAFU B champions and two-time defending title holders, having lifted the trophy in Niger and Togo. But Ghana — wounded from their defeat to Nigeria in the final last year — are eager to respond, especially with home advantage on their side.
With only three teams in Group A — Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin Republic — the margin for error is razor-thin. A win on Thursday could be the key to a semi-final berth and early tournament control.
Head to head: Ghana vs Nigeria
Nigeria U20s hold a clear psychological edge over their West African neighbours, having beaten them in each of their last three meetings:
2015 U20 AFCON: Nigeria 2-0 Ghana
2018 WAFU U20 Cup: Nigeria 4-2 Ghana
2024 WAFU B Final: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles
The most recent clash was particularly painful for the Black Satellites.
Despite a spirited second-half display, the Black Satellites fell short after Kparobo Arierhi’s first half brace put Nigeria in control. Revenge will undoubtedly be on Ghana’s mind in Prampram.
Nigeria have blended continuity with fresh faces. Coach Aliyu Zubairu has named a squad that mixes proven performers from their third-place finish at the 2023 U20 AFCON in Egypt with several debutants eager to make their mark.
Key returnees include captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielders Divine Oliseh and Ezekiel Kpangu, and goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, providing tournament experience and composure.
Newcomers like Clinton Andy, Abba Sadiq, and Qudus Olayiwola bring energy and unpredictability.
The Black Satellites, led by coach Desmond Ofei, are banking on cohesion and home support. The squad features domestic league talents familiar with the climate and crowd.Ghana’s Black Satellites
What are they saying?
Black Satellites head coach Desmond Ofei:
“We are focused, we are prepared, and we are playing at home. The boys understand the weight of this fixture.”
Nigeria head coach Aliyu Zubairu:
“The tournament in Ghana offers us a good window to showcase a few more players and we will grab that opportunity. We intend to use the matches as preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.”
Nigeria U20 possible lineup (4-3-3)
GK: Ebenezer Harcourt
DEF: Daniel Bameyi (c), Odinaka Okoro, Abba Sadiq, Marvelous Freedom
MID: Bidemi Amole, Divine Oliseh, Ezekiel Kpangu
FWD: Qudus Olayiwola, Imrana Muhammad, Tahir Maigana
Venue: Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, Prampram, Accra
Tournament: 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, Group A
Match Prediction
This promises to be a compelling, high-intensity encounter. While Ghana have the crowd and conditions in their favour, Nigeria’s superior recent record and tactical cohesion give them a slight edge.
Expect a cagey start but attacking flair on both ends. With midfield control likely to be key, the Flying Eagles’ physicality and tournament experience might just tilt the scale.
Scores Prediction: Ghana 1-2 Nigeria
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