WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup begins in Côte d'Ivoire

WAFU B U17 Girls Cup youth women's football Black Maidens Flamingos West African football

The second edition of the WAFU Zone B U17 Girls Cup is set to take place in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, from September 15 to September 28, 2026. The tournament features several West African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso, following the withdrawal of Benin Republic.

Ghana's Black Maidens have arrived to defend their title, with an opening match scheduled against Burkina Faso. Nigeria's U17 team, the Flamingos, have also arrived in the region and will face Niger Republic in their opening fixture. Togo is scheduled to play the host nation, Côte d'Ivoire, in their first match.

In addition to the players, the tournament serves as a developmental platform for officials. Fourteen young referees from across the seven WAFU Zone B member associations have been selected to officiate, including two Ghanaian referees, Mercy Boakyewaa Gyan and Linda Ayimpoka Asogro, who were chosen through the Ghana Football Association’s Catch Them Young Refereeing Policy.