Accra, Ghana — Nigeria’s U17 team has secured a spot in next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Ghana in the third-place playoff at the WAFU B
U17 Championship on Tuesday. The hard-fought win earned Nigeria the bronze medals and a crucial qualification for the continental tournament.
The qualification process had been unclear until minutes before the kickoff when it was confirmed that Côte d’Ivoire, already in the final, would host the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
This designation guaranteed the hosts a slot in the competition, thus opening an additional berth for the third-place winner of the WAFU B Championship.
With Côte d’Ivoire’s automatic qualification and Burkina Faso’s progression to the final, Nigeria’s victory over Ghana ensured their place in the tournament set to take place in Abidjan next year. The match showcased Nigeria’s resilience and determination, solidifying their reputation as a strong contender in youth football.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the team’s achievement, celebrating the young talents who persevered through a challenging tournament to emerge victorious in a decisive match.
This qualification marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s youth football program, providing a platform for young players to gain international experience and showcase their skills on a larger stage.
As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2025 AFCON, the team’s focus will be on preparing for the competition and building on the momentum gained from their performance in Ghana.
