Burkina Faso Replaces Nigeria as Host of 2026 WAFU B Schools Championship

Posted : 31 October 2026

Burkina Faso has been selected to host the 2026 WAFU B African Schools Football Championship after Nigeria withdrew from its hosting commitment. The tournament will take place in Ouagadougou, replacing Nigeria as the venue for the regional Under-15 competition.

Nigeria had initially been scheduled to stage the championship from December 6 to 9, 2026. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) withdrew from the arrangement, prompting the organizers to appoint Burkina Faso as the new host.

The competition is organized under the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) African Schools Football Championship programme. It provides a platform for young players to compete internationally while supporting grassroots development and identifying emerging talent across the continent.

The WAFU B zonal tournament is expected to feature national teams from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin and Niger. The participating sides will compete for regional honours and an opportunity to progress towards the continental stage of the competition.

Nigeria's change of hosting status does not affect its participation. The Future Eagles, the country's Under-15 boys' team, are expected to represent the nation in Ouagadougou. The young Nigerian players are currently taking part in the FIFA Under-15 World Cup/Festival in Azerbaijan, according to the report.

Ghana will also participate in the boys' and girls' categories. Its girls' team, known as the Black Damsels, will arrive as the defending CAF African Schools Football Championship champions. They will also be seeking to maintain their strong record in the WAFU B zone, while Ghana's boys' team will compete for regional success.

The host change comes amid reported upheaval within Nigerian football, including the mass resignation of members of the NFF leadership. However, the available announcements confirming Burkina Faso as host do not provide a detailed explanation for the federation's withdrawal.

The competition remains an important opportunity for young players across the region to gain international experience. It also supports CAF's wider effort to strengthen school football and create development pathways for the next generation of African players.

Burkina Faso Replaces Nigeria as Host of 2026 WAFU B Schools Championship

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics