Nigerian diplomat Robert Akpenpuun has undertaken his first duty as an Assistant General Coordinator at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament in Burkina Faso.
Akpenpuun, who serves with the Nigerian Immigration Service and is based in Abidjan, received the assignment from the Confederation of African Football. His first match in the role was Ghana’s Group A opener against Togo on Saturday, October 10, when Ghana secured a 1-0 victory.
After the game, Akpenpuun expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity and thanked those who had supported him with prayers. “To the glory of God Almighty, my first outing as Assistant General Coordinator,” he said in a post.
His selection was confirmed through an official letter dated September 30, 2026, signed by UFOA-B Executive Director Tchere M. A. Philippe. Akpenpuun has previously worked as a Nigeria Premier League match commissioner and an NFF protocol officer, while also gaining experience as a referee and league assessor.
The qualifying competition is being staged in Ouagadougou from October 10 to 23, with seven countries involved. Hosts Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Ghana and Togo make up Group A, while Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been placed in Group B.
