Côte d’Ivoire claimed the 2025 WAFU-B U20 Boys Cup title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the final on July 23, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra.
The Young Elephants completed a flawless campaign, winning all five of their matches en route to the title. After topping their group with wins over Burkina Faso (2-1), Niger (1-0), and Togo (2-0), they overcame hosts Ghana 2-1 in the semifinals.
In a tightly contested final, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, seven-time African U20 Cup of Nations champions, held firm for most of the match.
But in the 93rd minute, Ivorian forward Zakaria Tindano capitalized on an error from Nigeria goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, slotting home the decisive goal after a mishandled free kick.
The win solidified Ivory Coast’s dominance throughout the tournament and earned them regional bragging rights in West Africa’s premier youth competition.
See the match through the lens of Joy Sports’ Kalani Chai-Andrade:
Players of Ivory Coast pose for a team photo before the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Players of Nigeria pose for a team photo before the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Nigeria forward Imrana Muhammad #14 and Ivorian defender Abdoul Goudousse Bamba #2 contest the ball during the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Nigeria forward Imrana Muhammad #14 lays injured as the match continues during the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Nigeria forward Oluwaseun Qudus Olayiwola #15 takes a shot on goal during the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian defender Zakaria Tindano #12 reacts after being tackled by Nigeria forward Oluwaseun Qudus Olayiwola #15 during the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Players react after Ivory Coast wins the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian midfielder Ali Koné #15 hurdles a Nigeria player during the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivory Coast head coach Younes Zerdouk hugs one of his players after winning the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivory Coast celebrates their win in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian goalkeeper Christian Zigui #1 receives award for best goalkeeper in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian forward Yaya Tape #7 receives the best player award in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian Zakaria Tindano #12 and Ghana Aziz Musibau #19 share the title of top scorer in the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)Ivorian captain Abdoul Goudousse Bamba #2 celebrates with his team after winning the WAFU B U20 Boys Cup Final at University of Ghana Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. (Photo by Kalani Chai-Andrade/Joy Sports)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
