Flying Eagles captain Habila Simeon has declared that Nigeria is fully prepared for its opening match against Ghana at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, insisting the defending champions are focused on beginning their campaign with a victory.
Nigeria will face the Black Satellites in one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures as the regional championship gets underway in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, with both sides aiming to make an early statement in the race for the title and qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated West African derby, Simeon described captaining the Flying Eagles as a privilege and a responsibility but stressed that the occasion has not created unnecessary pressure within the squad.
“It’s a big responsibility to captain this team, but we’re not under any pressure. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready for the challenge,” Simeon said.
The skipper acknowledged the fierce rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana but expressed confidence in the quality and mentality of his teammates ahead of the showdown.
“The players have worked very hard in training and everyone is ready. Our objective is to win the first game and start the tournament on a positive note,” he added.
The Flying Eagles enter the competition as defending champions after defeating Ghana in the 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship final, a result that further intensified one of African football’s fiercest rivalries. The tournament also serves as the qualification pathway for the next CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, adding even greater significance to every group-stage fixture.
Nigeria has traditionally enjoyed success at youth level, winning a record seven CAF U-20 titles and producing generations of players who have progressed to the Super Eagles. The current squad will be hoping to continue that tradition by successfully defending the regional crown and securing qualification for the continental championship.
The Flying Eagles will kick off their title defence against Ghana knowing that victory would provide early momentum in Group B and strengthen their bid to retain the WAFU B championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
