Nigeria’s U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu says his team is ready to embrace the intensity of one of African football’s most iconic rivalries when they face Ghana in the opening match of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U20 Championship on Thursday.

The match, which kicks off at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, sets the stage for what Zubairu calls a “clean rivalry” — one that transcends age levels and always carries emotional and competitive weight.

“We know the history between Ghana and Nigeria, and it has always been like that at whatever level,” Zubairu told reporters at the pre-match press conference. “Even if it’s community football between Nigeria and Ghana anywhere, it’s always attractive because of the rivalry.”

Despite being the defending champions, Nigeria enter the tournament under unique circumstances. The Flying Eagles had originally focused their preparations on the FIFA U20 World Cup, which saw their training and tactical planning aligned with global competition standards. However, with the WAFU tournament looming, Zubairu and his staff were forced to rapidly pivot their plans.

“This is not the competition we were primarily preparing for,” Zubairu admitted. “We reconvened just a week ago because our initial calendar was geared toward the World Cup. But we’ve reorganized quickly, and we’re ready.”

The Flying Eagles’ triumph at the previous WAFU tournament in Togo included a memorable victory over Ghana in the final — a result that only adds fuel to the fire ahead of Thursday’s rematch in Group A. The West African neighbours have long traded blows at youth and senior levels, creating a legacy of fiercely contested fixtures.

Ghana, who will be playing on home soil, are expected to field a physically imposing and technically sound squad, eager to avenge their 2021 final loss. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to reinforce their regional dominance and send a clear message ahead of next year’s continental qualifiers.

Zubairu noted that, despite the shortened preparation window, the players have responded well in camp.

“These boys understand what it means to wear the green and white against Ghana,” he said. “The atmosphere is always different, the expectations are higher, and the intensity is automatic. That’s what we live for.”

The 2025 edition of the WAFU Zone B U20 Championship serves as both a proving ground and a showcase for some of West Africa’s brightest emerging talents. With Nigeria and Ghana widely considered traditional powerhouses in youth football, the stakes extend beyond national pride — they may foreshadow the continent’s future stars.

Thursday’s clash not only opens Group A but sets the tone for a tournament expected to be tightly contested. Both nations will aim to finish top of the group and secure passage to the semi-finals, with an eye on the eventual continental qualifiers.

For Zubairu and his Flying Eagles, the mission is clear: adapt fast, compete hard, and embrace the rivalry with the respect it deserves.