UFOA-B U17: Cote d’Ivoire and Niger meet in Ouagadougou final

Cote d’Ivoire and Niger will contest the UFOA-B qualifying tournament final for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) U17 2027 on Friday, 23 October 2026, with the trophy at stake at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

The two teams secured their places in the final after campaigns that have also earned them qualification for the continental tournament. Both coaching staffs have expressed their determination to finish the competition with victory.

Cote d’Ivoire are defending champions after lifting the trophy in Yamoussoukro in 2025. The Elephanteaux are aiming to retain their title, despite already having secured their place at the CAN U17 2027.

At the pre-match press conference, head coach Serge Bougouyou and goalkeeper Tah Behonao made clear their intention to end the tournament at the top of the standings and confirm Cote d’Ivoire’s status as holders.

Niger will approach the match with the same objective. The Mena U17 booked their place at the CAN after beating Burkina Faso in the semi-final on 20 October, and head coach Issa Mai Dikouma believes his squad is capable of going on to claim the trophy.

“I would like to commend the feat achieved by these youngsters, who believed in themselves and brought joy to the people of Niger,” he said. “The final will be a tight match and our group has the qualities needed to achieve this objective.”

Mai Dikouma also addressed the difficulties surrounding the availability of his players. His squad includes several footballers aged 15, while five others have left the team to take part in the U15 World Cup.

Despite those absences, the Niger coach remains confident that the players available to him can perform in the decisive fixture.

Niger midfielder Abdoul Fataou Habibou is also targeting a landmark victory for his country. “We would like to make history in Nigerien football once again after qualifying for the CAN,” he said. “That is why we will go out to win this cup on Friday.”

The final will also provide an opportunity for both sides to settle the outcome of their group-stage meeting, which ended in a 1-1 draw. There can be no repeat of that result this time, with the competition requiring a winner to lift the UFOA-B trophy.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou. Cote d’Ivoire will seek to preserve their crown, while Niger will attempt to complete their run with the title.