Today, the Black Satellites will face Nigeria in the final of the WAFU B U-20 championship

The scene is set for an epic showdown as arch-rivals Ghana and Nigeria square off in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo. With both teams already qualified for next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, this final is about more than a title; it’s about regional pride and a long-standing rivalry.

For Ghana’s Black Satellites, this match represents a chance to reclaim the WAFU B title from Nigeria. Their journey to the final has demonstrated tenacity and teamwork, overcoming challenges in a competitive group. They topped their group with hard-fought draws against Togo (1-1) and Benin (2-2), plus a crucial 2-0 win over Niger. A spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire in the semi-final propelled them to the final, with standout performances from players like Jerry Afriyie and Musibau Aziz.

The Nigerian Flying Eagles have proven equally resilient, shaking off an opening 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso with a 2-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire. In the semi-finals, they turned the tide against the Junior Menas of Niger, winning 3-1 to secure their spot in the final against Ghana.

The stage is set for an action-packed encounter between two of West Africa’s youth football giants, with bragging rights and a sub-regional title on the line. Both nations have shown their strength and attacking firepower throughout the tournament, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling final.

For the players, this championship also provides a platform to earn their place at the 2025 U-20 AFCON and potentially the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with Ghana and Nigeria already securing AFCON spots. This year’s U-20 AFCON, in turn, will determine Africa’s four representatives in Chile.

All eyes will be on Lomé as the Black Satellites and Flying Eagles fight for glory and the legacy of their fierce rivalry.