WAFU-B motivates young referees as Flamingos land in Abidjan
The West African Football Union Zone B has selected 14 referees from the regional ‘Young Talents’ refereeing course that took place in Ghana six months ago, to officiate at the 2nd edition of the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament taking place in Yamoussoukro, 15th – 28th September.
This initiative marks an important step in motivating, encouraging and inspiring the young arbiters who were at the course that took place in Ghanaian Centre of Excellence in Prampram, 21st – 25th March 2026. Two referees were selected from each of the seven countries within the zone.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s U-17 girls, Flamingos, have arrived in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan on their way to the city of Yamoussoukro for the 2nd WAFU-B U-17 Girls Tournament, after travelling from Abuja on Monday morning.
Coach Hakeem Busari picked 20 players for the tournament, which is seen as a prime preparatory ground for Nigeria and Ghana; the two WAFU-B teams among Africa’s four flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals. The others are Kenya and Zambia.
This year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals will be hosted by Morocco, 17th October – 8th November, with Nigeria up against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B while Ghana must tackle Canada, Brazil and Norway in Group C.
Following the withdrawal of Benin Republic’s U-17 team from the competition, the Flamingos will now play their counterparts from Niger Republic in their first match on Wednesday, and not Ghana’s Princesses.
On Tuesday, hosts Cote d’Ivoire are up against Togo while Ghana will duel with Burkina Faso. On Friday, Togo will take on Niger Republic while Burkina Faso will confront the host nation.
The tantalising match-up between the Flamingos and the Princesses will now have to wait till Saturday.
FLAMINGOS FOR 2026 WAFU-B U17 GIRLS CUP
Goalkeepers: Onyinyechi Opara (Delta Queens); Ifesinachi Iloh (Solo Wonders Academy); Mercy Felix (Obosa Academy)
Defenders: Opeyemi Sunday (Nasarawa Amazons); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Esther Stephen (Unification Ladies); Elizabeth Adesuyi (Pacesetter Queens); Chidera Oparanmegwa (Bayelsa Queens); Temitope Ogunbunmi (Soccer Talent FC); Chisom Chukwuemeka (Diamond Stars Academy)
Midfielders: Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Mary Dunstan (Bayelsa Queens); Adeola Bashiru (Confluence Queens); Kaosarat Akanji (Dream Star Ladies); Ebunoluwa Akinola (Unstoppable Academy)
Forwards: Harmony Chidi (Bayelsa Queens), Oluebube Umejiaku (Heartland Queens); Sakirat Sarafa (Remo Stars Ladies); Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (FC Robo Queens); Destiny Itobore (Delta Queens)
