2022 WAFU B U17: Nigeria Get opponents As Semifinalists Emerge Today

2022 WAFU B U17: Nigeria Get opponents As Semifinalists Emerge Today

By Niyi Busari

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets are the only team that have picked the semifinal ticket at the ongoing 2022 West African Football Union WAFU B U17 in Ghana, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

The group A table toppers, defeated the hosts, Ghana 4-2 in the tournament opener and handed a 3-1 defeat to Togo in their last group A match. Ghana and Togo who slug it out for the only remaining semi-final slot in the group lost their respective first game to Nigeria, leaving today match a must win for either team. The winners in the match join Nigeria in the semis. The match will be played at the Stade Cape Coast at 4pm.

In group B, the table toppers, Burkina Faso had defeated Benin Republic and Niger Republic and need just a draw against Ivory Coast to stay afloat the group.

Côte d'Ivoire are second with superior goal difference (+4) to Benin Republic (0) who also garnered three points. Both countries have recorded one win from two matches.

Both teams stand a chance of qualifying for the semis, while Benin Republic last group game versus the weeping boys, Niger Republic looks easy on paper, Côte d'Ivoire however have a mountain to climb against in-form Burkina Faso in last group game. Both matches will be played simultaneuosly at 4:00 pm.

However, any two of the top three teams can make it to the semis. If Côte d'Ivoire defeat Burkina Faso with more than two-goal margin and favourites, Benin Republic beat Niger Republic.

Meanwhile, the five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets will face group B runners-up.

The semifinal matches are scheduled for Tuesday, 21st June while final game comes up three days later, Friday 24 June.

Two finalists will represent West African countries at the CAF U17 African Nations Cup to be hosted by Algeria in March, 2023.

Four semifinalists at the CAF U17 AFCON will fly African flags at the FIFA U17 World Cup.