Exclusive: NFF Confirms Nigeria Withdrawal From U20 WAFU B

Exclusive: NFF Confirms Nigeria Withdrawal From U20 WAFU B

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria will not be part of the West African Football Union (WAFU) U20 B men's tournament when it commences in July, BSNSports.com.ng can authoritatively report.

The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sanusi Mohammed confirmed the most populous African country's withdrawal to www.bsnsports.com.ng on Friday afternoon that the World Cup quarter-finalist will not participate in the tournament slated for next month.

"Yes, it's true, Nigeria has withdrawn from U20 WAFU B. Sanusi confirmed to BSN Sports.

Speaking on why Nigeria withdrew, the General Secretary said, "the players just returned from the World Cup and went home to rest. We can't recall them now to embark on another tournament that will not serve as qualifier for any competition. The players are human and need to rest."

WAFU had on Monday 17th April, 2023 drawn Nigeria alongside Benin Republic and Togo in group B. This means, both Togo and Benin irrespective of the result after their group B encounter between the two countries will qualify for the semi-final of the competition.

Group A consists of the hosts, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.

The WAFU U20 men's championship is slated for Cote d'Ivoire from July 7th-21st, 2023.