Falconets Begin Title Hunt Against Ghana As WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup Adopts Round-Robin Format

Falconets Begin Title Hunt Against Ghana As WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup Adopts Round-Robin Format

By Niyi Busari 

The 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Girls’ Cup will commence on Friday, November 7, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, with a fresh competitive structure and a high-profile opening weekend clash between Nigeria’s Falconets and defending champions Ghana, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Hosts Benin Republic will kick off the tournament against Ghana in the curtain-raiser on November 7, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showcase of West Africa’s finest young female football talents. Nigeria will begin their campaign a day later, on Saturday, November 8, when they face arch-rivals Ghana before taking on the hosts on November 9.

In a major shift from previous editions, the 2025 competition will adopt a league-style (round-robin) format rather than the traditional group-and-knockout structure. Each participating nation will play one another home and away, with the team finishing top of the standings after all fixtures crowned the WAFU B U20 champion.

The six-day tournament, running from November 7 to 12, is designed to offer increased match exposure, competitive balance, and player development opportunities. The format ensures that every team enjoys more playing time and consistent competition a key part of WAFU’s broader vision to elevate the standard of women’s youth football in the sub-region.

Under the guidance of coach Moses Aduku, Nigeria’s Falconets are expected to field a blend of established and emerging players as they seek to consolidate their dominance in West African women’s football. The team will play Ghana again on November 11 and wrap up their campaign against Benin on November 12.

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup serves as a crucial developmental platform for identifying new talents and preparing national squads for upcoming CAF and FIFA youth competitions.

As the host nation finalizes preparations, anticipation is built across the region particularly around the Nigeria-Ghana rivalry, which remains one of the most captivating fixtures in African women’s football.