The Nigerian youngsters sealed the regional title with a commanding 4-0 victory over Togo in Sunday’s final, completing a perfect tournament with five wins from five matches.
The Flamingos dominated the competition in Yamoussoukro, scoring 17 goals and conceding only two across their five matches. Their successful campaign included victories over Niger Republic, Ghana, Burkina Faso and hosts Côte d’Ivoire before they overcame Togo to lift the trophy.
Captain Harmony Chidi was the standout performer in the final, converting two first-half penalties in the 15th and 35th minutes. Oluebube Umejiaku added Nigeria’s third goal in the 67th minute, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi completed the scoring in the 90th minute.
Flamingos earn individual honours
Nigeria’s success was also reflected in the tournament’s individual awards.
Oluwakemi Adegbuyi was named Best Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Onyinyechi Opara received the Best Goalkeeper award after keeping four clean sheets in five appearances.
The honours highlighted the contributions of both the team’s attacking and defensive players during their title-winning run.
Focus shifts to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Following their return to Nigeria, the Flamingos will turn their attention to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, which begins next month.
The WAFU-B triumph provides a confidence boost for the team ahead of the global competition. Nigeria will be hoping to carry their impressive regional form into the World Cup as they seek to make another strong impression on the international stage.
The Flamingos won bronze at the 2022 edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and their latest success has raised expectations ahead of their return to the tournament.
The team is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday and receive a welcome following its successful campaign in Côte d’Ivoire.