Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu says Ghana is fully prepared for Monday’s exciting Group B opener against defending champions Nigeria at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 qualifiers in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
The much-anticipated encounter at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium rekindles one of West African football’s fiercest rivalries, with the Black Satellites eager to make a winning start and avenge their 2-1 defeat to the Flying Eagles in the final of the last edition in Lomé, Togo.
Addressing the media at Sunday’s pre-match press conference, Konadu acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture but expressed confidence in his team’s preparations and readiness for the challenge.
“I think we’ve prepared enough. The boys are ready. We played a couple of friendly games before coming here and I think the boys are ready for the impending assignment ahead of us.”
The coach also revealed that Ghana had suffered a setback before travelling after losing a key defensive midfielder to injury. However, he insisted the squad has enough depth to cope with the absence.
“We made that correction at home before embarking on this trip. Our key and main defensive midfielder got hurt in training and couldn’t make the trip. But we’re building everybody for this job and so we think we’re okay even without him.”
Despite Nigeria’s pedigree and status as defending champions, Konadu believes his side possesses the quality and mentality to compete on equal terms.
“We are game ready. We pose the same threat to our Nigerian brothers. Matches between these two nations are always top-liners. Everybody goes in with his full arsenal, trying to carry the day.”
While admitting his technical team has had limited opportunities to assess the opposition, he remains convinced that his players are capable of rising to the occasion.
“We haven’t seen their team yet, but we believe we have the boys who can go out there and defend the flag of Ghana.”
Konadu expects emotions and national pride to fuel both teams in what promises to be another memorable chapter in the historic rivalry.
“We’re motivated because it’s Nigeria, and they will also be motivated because they are playing Ghana. Matches between these two nations—we all know what they mean. I think the best team will carry the day.”
The Black Satellites coach also highlighted Nigeria’s physical and aggressive style of play, revealing that Ghana’s approach will focus on tactical discipline.
“Nigeria has always been aggressive, which we’re aware of. Let’s see how our boys respond to that. Maybe we have to circulate the ball a bit. We’ll try to think before they act, and I think that will be one of the key areas we have to exploit.”
Konadu concluded by stressing the challenge that comes with facing the reigning champions but made it clear that Ghana is determined to end Nigeria’s reign.
“We know Nigeria are the defending champions and we have to work even harder to dethrone them.”
Monday’s encounter marks the beginning of Ghana’s quest for regional honours. The Black Satellites will also face Burkina Faso and Togo in Group B as they bid to secure a place in the knockout stage and mount a serious challenge for the WAFU B U-20 Championship title.
The championship provides an important opportunity for the Black Satellites to build momentum, strengthen team cohesion and measure themselves against some of West Africa’s brightest young talents ahead of the continental showpiece on home soil.
The WAFU B U2-0 Championship serves as qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Ghana.
Ghana’s full squad for the WAFU U-20 Championship.
