Ghana’s Black Satellites began their 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign with a 4-2 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in a Group B clash at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, on Monday.
Nigeria made a bright start and took an early lead before Ghana responded through Mohammed Zaidan, who finished off a move created by captain Kelvin Nkrumah.
The Flying Eagles quickly restored their advantage with a deflected effort before extending their lead from the penalty spot to take a 3-1 cushion into the break.
Ghana improved after halftime and reduced the deficit when Nkrumah converted a penalty to make it 3-2. However, Nigeria sealed the victory with a late penalty to secure a 4-2 win.
The Black Satellites will now turn their attention to Thursday’s Group B clash against Burkina Faso before concluding the group stage against Togo on Sunday, August 2.
Although Ghana has already qualified automatically for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, the WAFU B Championship remains an important opportunity for the team to build cohesion and gain competitive experience.
