Nigeria's Flying Eagles have discovered the teams standing between them and a place at the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations after Wednesday's draw for the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.
The regional competition, which serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, has handed Nigeria another difficult route, with the Flying Eagles placed in Group B alongside fierce rivals Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo.
The draw, conducted on Wednesday afternoon, split the seven participating countries into two groups. Hosts and reigning champions Côte d'Ivoire were seeded into Group A, where they will face Niger and Benin Republic. Nigeria, who finished as the best-performing team behind Côte d'Ivoire at the last edition, were seeded at the top of Group B.
The group immediately sets up another chapter in easily West Africa's biggest youth football rivalry as Nigeria prepare to face Ghana's Black Satellites once again. The two nations have produced several memorable meetings in recent years, with the Flying Eagles often getting the better of their neighbours in important matches.
Burkina Faso will also provide a serious challenge, while Togo will be hoping to upset the more established teams in the group as every point becomes crucial in the race for qualification.
The stakes are extremely high because the WAFU B Championship is also the official pathway to the 2027 U20 AFCON, which will be hosted by Ghana. The continental tournament will feature 12 teams from across Africa, with the four semi-finalists earning qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
CAF has already confirmed Ghana as hosts of the 2027 U20 AFCON as part of the country's celebrations marking 70 years of independence. It will be the second time Ghana has staged the tournament after successfully hosting and winning the competition in 1999. Dates, stadiums and host cities for the championship are expected to be announced after CAF completes its planning with local organisers.
Nigeria: Flying Eagles target another strong campaign after impressive WAFU B history
Nigeria, now coached by veteran tactician Abdul Maikaba, head into this year's qualifiers carrying one of the strongest records in the history of the WAFU B U20 Championship.
The Flying Eagles reached the final of the inaugural tournament in Togo in 2018 before finishing runners-up after losing to Senegal. Although they suffered a disappointing group-stage exit in 2020, they bounced back in spectacular fashion two years later.
In 2022, Nigeria lifted their first WAFU B title in Niamey, defeating Ghana 2-0 in the group stage before overcoming Côte d'Ivoire in the semi-finals. They completed a dominant campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Benin Republic in the final.
The Flying Eagles successfully defended the trophy in the 2024 edition. After beating Niger 3-1 in the semi-finals, they defeated Ghana 2-1 in an entertaining final in Lomé. Beyond Limits FA striker Kparobo Arierhi scored twice before halftime to help Nigeria secure a second regional crown.
Last year, Nigeria came close to making it three titles in a row. The Flying Eagles topped their group before eliminating Niger in a tense penalty shootout in the semi-finals. However, they were denied in the final after hosts Côte d'Ivoire scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner from a set-piece to claim a 1-0 victory.
Nigeria will now begin final preparations for another demanding campaign as the Flying Eagles chase a third WAFU B title and another appearance at the U20 AFCON.
