Ghana’s Black Starlets secured their place at the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets 2-0 in their final WAFU B qualifying clash on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated West African derby lived up to its billing, with both sides fighting for the sole ticket to the next round. Ghana, however, proved more clinical, breaking the deadlock midway through the first half with a well-taken strike that left the Nigerian defence exposed.
The Golden Eaglets pressed hard in search of an equaliser but were undone by poor finishing in the final third. Ghana doubled its lead in the second half following a swift counter-attack that sealed the result and silenced the Nigerian contingent.
Despite spirited attempts by Nigeria’s youngsters, the Black Starlets remained compact and disciplined, frustrating their rivals and holding on to secure qualification.
With the win, Ghana will fly the WAFU B flag at next year’s continental showpiece, while the Golden Eaglets—record five-time U-17 world champions—will rue missed chances and another setback in their bid to reclaim their lost dominance at the youth level.
