By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH

Niger Stun Defending Champions Côte d’Ivoire in Penalty Shootout to Lift WAFU B Crown

NIGER have snatched the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship title from defending champions Côte d’Ivoire after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory in Friday’s final.

The encounter ended 2-2 at Stade du 4-Août in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on 23 October 2026. However, Niger kept their composure from the spot to settle a fiercely contested battle for regional supremacy.

Côte d’Ivoire struck first in the 22nd minute when Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan found the net. The Ivorians then protected their lead through the remainder of the first half, putting Niger under pressure to respond.

After the restart, Niger rallied in search of an equaliser. Yet Côte d’Ivoire regained the advantage through Christ Komi, seemingly putting the defending champions on course for another title.

Just when the Ivorians appeared close to victory, Abdoul Soufiane struck late for Niger. His equaliser restored parity at 2-2 and sent the contest into a penalty shootout.

Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Hughues Tah Behonao saved two penalties, but those stops proved insufficient. Niger converted enough of their attempts to win 3-1 and claim the trophy in dramatic fashion.

The victory rewarded Niger’s determined campaign and confirmed their place at the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco. Their run to the final had already guaranteed qualification for the continental competition.

Despite losing the final, Côte d’Ivoire will also travel to Morocco. The team booked its place by beating Ghana in the semi-finals, ensuring that both finalists will represent the WAFU Zone B region at the tournament.

Niger captain Oumarou Abdoulaye Moussa, who wears jersey number eight, also had reason to celebrate after earning the Man of the Match award. The midfielder played an important role as his team battled back against the defending champions.

Now that the regional title is theirs, Niger will seek to build on their achievement in Morocco next year. Their immediate challenge will be to turn this hard-fought WAFU B triumph into a strong performance at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.