Togo’s U20 national team will kick off their campaign at the 2025 WAFU-B U20 Championship on Friday evening with a crucial encounter against Niger.
The Junior Hawks have spent the past few weeks fine-tuning their preparations through intensive training sessions and a series of friendly matches.
Now, under the leadership of head coach Ametokodo King, they are ready to put theory into practice in their first group-stage match, scheduled for 18:00 GMT.
This year’s squad has been carefully assembled, with a blend of local and international talents.
Key figures include Kjidjé Claude of Haknour, Glo Marius from ASCK, Bernard Achiangbon of AS OTR, Monglo Isaac representing AC Barracuda, and Ghana-based Ouzeredine Kperedza.
The team arrives in the tournament with quiet confidence and a collective sense of purpose, hoping to improve on their previous showing.
In the last edition of the competition, hosted on Togolese soil, the young side fell short of expectations, failing to progress beyond the group stage despite flashes of promise.
That experience remains fresh in the minds of both players and coaching staff, serving as fuel for redemption in this latest challenge.
Head coach Ametokodo King has been vocal about his squad’s determination to deliver a different outcome this time around.
We’ve worked very hard to correct our mistakes from the last edition. The boys are motivated, and we are ready to show that Togo has a bright footballing future, he stated ahead of the match.
Niger, known for their disciplined and physical style, will not be easy opponents.
However, Togo’s preparations and depth in midfield and attack could prove decisive.
With each team in the group playing only a limited number of matches, the opener carries significant weight for hopes of progression to the knockout rounds.
Togo’s football federation has also emphasized the importance of youth competitions such as the WAFU-B tournament in building a strong foundation for the national team’s future.
Performances here could open doors for several players looking to secure moves abroad or catch the eye of senior national team selectors.
With the stakes high and expectations growing, Friday’s match in Prampram marks the start of what Togo hopes will be a defining journey in regional youth football.
