Nigeria’s Flamingos will begin their campaign at the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Girls Championship with a potentially decisive Group B encounter against Ghana’s Black Maidens in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria and Ghana have been drawn alongside Togo and Niger in a competitive four-team group, with the tournament scheduled to begin on September 15.
Beyond regional honours, the competition carries added importance as teams battle for qualification for the 2027 U-17 Girls Africa Cup of Nations.
The Flamingos will head into the tournament hoping to build on Nigeria’s strong tradition in women’s youth football, but their opening fixture against Ghana is expected to provide an early test of their credentials.
Ghana have also traditionally been one of the region’s strongest teams at this level, making the opening encounter important for both sides.
Togo and Niger complete Group B and will also be looking to challenge the two traditional heavyweights for places in the next round.
A positive start against Ghana could put the Flamingos in a strong position as they pursue their immediate objective of progressing from the group and ultimately securing qualification for the continental championship.
Meanwhile, Edo Queens trio of Kemi Adegbuyi, Oluebube Umejiaku and Destiny Itobore have returned to the Flamingos camp after their triumph with their club in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.