WAFU B U-20: Semi-Final Pairings Set As Nigeria Battle Côte d'Ivoire

WAFU B U-20: Semi-Final Pairings Set As Nigeria Battle Côte d'Ivoire

By Niyi Busari 

The semi-final fixtures for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship have been confirmed, with hosts Côte d'Ivoire set to face Nigeria, while Burkina Faso will take on Niger Republic in the race for a place in the final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Group A winners Côte d'Ivoire will meet Group B runners-up Nigeria, while Group B champions Burkina Faso will square off against Group A runners-up Niger Republic. Both semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.

Burkina Faso finished top of Group B with seven points after recording two wins and one draw from three matches. Nigeria secured second place with six points, having won two matches before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in their final group game.

Ghana and Togo were eliminated after finishing third and fourth respectively.

Group B Final Standings

- Burkina Faso – 7 points

- Nigeria – 6 points

- Ghana – 2 points

- Togo – 1 point

Group B Results

- Nigeria 4-2 Ghana

- Nigeria 3-0 Togo

- Burkina Faso 2-0 Nigeria

- Ghana 1-1 Burkina Faso

- Ghana 0-0 Togo

In Group A, hosts Côte d'Ivoire maintained a perfect record, winning both of their matches to finish top of the group with the maximum six points. Niger Republic claimed the second qualification spot with three points after one win and one defeat, while Benin Republic exited the competition without a point after losing both matches.

The Young Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire progressed to the semi-finals on the back of disciplined and efficient performances, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Niger Republic's U-20 side also advanced after finishing second in Group A, with their campaign marked by determination and resilience despite a mixed record in the group stage.

The four remaining teams will now battle for places in the final as the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship enters its decisive stage. The two finalists qualify for the CAF U20 Africa Nations Cup.