Konadu Confident Ghana Are Ready for Nigeria Showdown at WAFU B U-20 Championship

Posted : 27 July 2026

Ghana head coach Maxwell Konadu has expressed confidence that the Black Satellites are ready for their highly anticipated Group B opener against defending champions Nigeria at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. The two West African rivals meet on Monday at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium in a repeat of the previous tournament's final.

Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-1 in the last WAFU B U-20 Championship final in Lomé, Togo, and Konadu admitted his side is eager to make a strong start while gaining revenge for that defeat. Speaking ahead of the match, the experienced coach said his players have completed solid preparations, including several friendly matches before travelling to Côte d'Ivoire.

"We've prepared enough. The boys are ready," Konadu said. "We played a couple of friendly games before coming here, and I think they are ready for the assignment ahead."

The Black Satellites suffered a setback before the tournament after losing their first-choice defensive midfielder to injury during training. However, Konadu insisted the coaching staff had already adjusted the squad and remains confident in the players available.

According to the Ghana coach, every member of the squad has been prepared to step in when needed, and the team has enough quality to cope despite the absence of the injured midfielder.

Konadu also acknowledged Nigeria's reputation for playing an aggressive and physical style of football. He revealed that Ghana plans to counter that approach by keeping possession, moving the ball quickly, and making smart decisions in key moments.

He added that matches between Ghana and Nigeria always carry extra significance, with both teams motivated by the fierce rivalry that has defined youth football in West Africa for decades.

Although Ghana's technical crew has had limited opportunities to study the Flying Eagles, Konadu believes his players have what it takes to compete with the reigning champions. He stressed that both nations possess talented squads and expects the better team on the day to emerge victorious.

The Group B clash marks the start of Ghana's campaign, with Burkina Faso and Togo also waiting later in the group stage. Nigeria, meanwhile, begin their title defence under new head coach Abdu Maikaba, who has stated that retaining the regional crown remains the Flying Eagles' primary objective.

The 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship also serves as the qualification tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.

Konadu Confident Ghana Are Ready for Nigeria Showdown at WAFU B U-20 Championship

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