Nigeria: Falconets open title quest against Ghana as WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup adopts new format

Nigeria’s Falconets will begin their quest for glory at the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup with a clash against defending champions Ghana in Cotonou, Benin Republic, this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.

The competition, rescheduled to run from November 7 to 12, will feature a revised league-style format and a condensed lineup of three teams: hosts Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Originally billed for November 3–10, the tournament was pushed back slightly to allow more time for logistics and full team participation.

The West African Football Union (WAFU B) confirmed that Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had withdrawn, leaving the trio to battle for the regional crown.

For the Falconets, this edition carries a sense of unfinished business. They were edged out by Ghana in last year’s tense final in Kumasi, losing 3–1 on penalties after a score draw.

Newly-appointed head coach Moses Aduku has since rebuilt a youthful and energetic squad determined to reclaim supremacy.

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Round-robin format to offer Nigeria, others more playing time and development

In a major shift from the traditional knockout system, the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup will adopt a round-robin format, ensuring every nation plays each other home and away. The team topping the standings after all fixtures will be crowned champion.

The six-day tournament aims to offer more playing time, tactical learning, and consistent competition. All these are elements key to the WAFU B’s broader goal of elevating women’s youth football across the sub-region.

The 10-day tournament will kick off on Friday, November 7, with hosts Benin Republic facing Ghana in the curtain-raiser in Cotonou. Nigeria’s Falconets will open their campaign the on Saturday, November 8, against their fierce rivals Ghana, before meeting Benin Republic on Sunday, November 9. The return fixtures will see Nigeria clash with Ghana once more on November 11, and wrap up their campaign against the hosts Benin on November 12, the final day of the competition.