Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire Gear Up For 2025 African Schools Football Showdown
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
THE countdown to the 2025 African Secondary School Championship has officially begun, and young footballers across West Africa are ready to make their mark. Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire have discovered their group opponents in the zonal qualifiers, setting the stage for thrilling clashes that could shape the future of the region’s football stars.
In the Boys’ U-15 category, Nigeria finds itself in Group B alongside hosts Côte d’Ivoire and Benin Republic, while Group A will see Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Togo battle for top honours. On the girls’ side, Nigeria has been drawn in Group A with Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, as Group B features Togo, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.
The finals, scheduled for December 1 to 4 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, promise to showcase the region’s brightest young talent. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the championship is more than a competition—it is a proving ground for scouts and clubs seeking the next generation of stars. Zonal winners will advance to the continental finals, making every match a high-stakes encounter.
Ghana enters the qualifiers with notable momentum. The Ghanaian girls’ team captured the African Schools Championship title in the previous edition at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, while the boys’ team claimed third place. Their strong showing has raised expectations across the region and added an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming fixtures.
For Nigeria, the draw presents an opportunity to test its young talent against regional powerhouses and secure a spot in the continental finals, keeping alive the nation’s tradition of producing elite footballers. As the countdown to kick-off continues, fans, coaches, and scouts alike are preparing for what promises to be an electrifying showcase of West African youth football.
