The West African Football Union (WAFU Zone B) has announced the postponement and restructuring of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup following the withdrawal of Mali and Burkina Faso from the regional championship.
Originally scheduled for November 3–10, the competition will now take place from November 7 to 17 in Cotonou, Benin Republic, with a revised league-style format featuring only three participating teams — Nigeria, Ghana, and hosts Benin Republic.
Read Also: Chamaka Nnadozie Snubbed as Morocco Makes FIFPRO History With Hakimi, Chebbak
According to WAFU B, the new arrangement was designed to maintain competitive balance and provide each nation with more playing opportunities despite the reduced number of participants.
Nigeria’s Falconets, runners-up at the previous edition, will begin their quest for the title with a high-profile clash against defending champions Ghana on Sunday, November 9. The tournament will open two days earlier with Benin Republic taking on Ghana in the curtain-raiser.
The new round-robin format replaces the traditional knockout system, ensuring that each team faces the others home and away. The side with the highest points at the end of all fixtures will be crowned champion.
For Nigeria, this tournament represents a chance at redemption after falling to Ghana on penalties in last year’s tense final in Kumasi.
Newly appointed head coach Moses Aduku leads a rejuvenated Falconets squad eager to reclaim regional supremacy.
WAFU B noted that the revised format also aligns with its wider developmental objectives — providing more playing time, tactical growth, and competitive exposure for young female footballers across the sub-region.
Full Match Schedule (Cotonou, Benin Republic):
Nov 7: Benin Republic vs Ghana
Nov 9: Nigeria vs Ghana
Nov 11: Nigeria vs Benin Republic
Nov 14: Ghana vs Nigeria (return leg)
Nov 17: Benin Republic vs Nigeria (final fixture)
The 10-day tournament promises thrilling encounters as the top three sides in WAFU Zone B women’s youth football battle for regional glory.
 has announced the postponement and restructuring of the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls’){kind=link}