Nigeria’s chances of reaching the next CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have improved after WAFU B asked CAF to examine the possibility of granting the zone an extra qualifying place.
Additional route for the Flying Eagles
If the request is approved, Nigeria could secure another chance to reach the continental finals despite its performance at the recently completed WAFU B U-20 Championship.
The proposal followed an agreement involving all four semi-finalists — Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Niger Republic. Before the last-four matches, the teams reportedly backed a joint appeal for WAFU B to receive an additional berth.
Precedent from the 2025 tournament
WAFU B is believed to have based its case on what happened at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, where Tunisia was added after the competition’s hosting plans changed.
- Tunisia placed third in the UNAF qualifying competition, behind Egypt and Morocco.
- Côte d’Ivoire initially held the hosting rights but later withdrew.
- Egypt then assumed responsibility for staging the event, while Tunisia was brought into the finals.
- The revised tournament ultimately included 13 teams.
CAF decision still pending
Ghana is scheduled to host the next edition, and WAFU B wants CAF to approve one more qualifying slot so Nigeria can join the other teams representing the region.
CAF is expected to assess the request before issuing its final ruling. Approval would restore the Flying Eagles’ hopes of appearing at the continental finals and deliver a significant lift to Nigerian youth football.
