Jollof Derby Heartbreak: Ghana's Black Starlets End Golden Eaglets' AFCON Dream with Clinical 2-0 Win

YAMOUSSOUKRO, CÔTE D'IVOIRE – The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after suffering a 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals the Black Starlets of Ghana in a decisive WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship semi-final clash.

Ghana secured their spot in both the final and the AFCON tournament in Morocco with a clinical first-half performance. Goals from Michael Awuli in the 21st minute and Robinho Yao just ten minutes later were enough to sink the Nigerian side at the Stade Konan Banny on Tuesday evening.

The defeat means Nigeria, the five-time U-17 World Cup winners, will miss out on the continental showpiece in 2026. Only the finalists in the WAFU Zone B tournament earn a ticket to the AFCON.

Ghana's victory seals a remarkable turnaround in their campaign and books a final date with tournament hosts, Ivory Coast, on Friday. The Black Starlets will now look to crown their regional success by lifting the WAFU B trophy, while Nigeria will be left to contest the third-place match.

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