WAFU B U-20: Niger Defeat Côte d’Ivoire in Third-Place Play-Off

WAFU B U-20: Niger Defeat Côte d’Ivoire in Third-Place Play-Off

By Niyi Busari 

Niger secured the bronze medal at the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the third-place play-off, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The encounter finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. Niger then held their nerve from the spot to edge the hosts 3-2 in the shootout and finish third in the regional competition.

The result gives the U-20 Mena a consolation prize after their hopes of reaching the final were ended earlier in the tournament. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, had to settle for fourth place despite enjoying home advantage.

The third-place match brought the curtain down on Côte d’Ivoire’s campaign, while Niger finished the tournament on a positive note after securing the bronze medal.

Burkina Faso were crowned champions after producing a dominant performance against Nigeria in the final.

The Young Stallions defeated the Flying Eagles 4-1 to claim the WAFU Zone B U-20 title and secure the region’s qualification ticket for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Burkina Faso’s victory completed an impressive tournament campaign and also ended Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the continental championship.

The Flying Eagles had reached the final after a dramatic semi-final victory over Côte d’Ivoire, winning 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after regulation time.

Burkina Faso, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten run by defeating Niger 2-0 in their semi-final.

Ghana to Host 2027 U-20 AFCON

Although Ghana were eliminated during the group stage of the WAFU B tournament, the Black Satellites will still feature at the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts.

The Ghana Football Association confirmed that the country has been awarded hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

The tournament will therefore feature Ghana as the host nation alongside the teams that qualify through the designated regional qualification pathways.

For Burkina Faso, the WAFU B triumph represents a major achievement and guarantees their place at the continental championship, where they will compete for the African title and an opportunity to progress to the global stage.

For Niger and Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament ends with contrasting emotions, with Niger claiming the bronze medal and the hosts finishing fourth.

The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship has consequently produced Burkina Faso as the region’s qualifier, while Ghana’s status as hosts ensures that the Black Satellites will also be present when the 2027 continental championship gets underway.