Burkina Faso has been confirmed as host of the WAFU B zone of the 2026 African Schools Championship in Ouagadougou, after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) withdrew, reports the Daily Guide Network.
Originally scheduled to take place in Nigeria from 6 to 9 December 2026, the WAFU B African Schools Championship, for under-15s, will ultimately be played in Ouagadougou. The Guardian Nigeria links the change to the NFF’s withdrawal from organising the event.
Organised by CAF, the tournament aims to promote the development of grassroots football. Nigeria was initially due to be the host country before the NFF pulled out, forcing the change of venue.
A Nigerian crisis in the background
Nigeria’s withdrawal is linked to the recent crisis that has shaken Nigerian football, leading to the mass resignation of the NFF board, including its president, Ibrahim Gusau, and general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, according to The Guardian Nigeria. The Nigerian daily draws this link between institutional instability and the abandonment of hosting the tournament; the available information does not include an explanation from the NFF itself.
The Future Eagles, Nigeria’s under-15 team currently competing at the FIFA U15 World Cup/Festival in Azerbaijan, will nevertheless represent Nigeria at the championship, The Guardian Nigeria specifies. The country that was due to host the competition will therefore be present as a participant.
Six countries expected in Ouagadougou
The zonal competition is expected to attract teams from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso, according to The Guardian Nigeria. Ghana will also be represented by its under-15 boys’ and girls’ teams, the Daily Guide Network reports.
In the girls’ category, the Black Damsels arrive with a status to defend: silver medallists in the WAFU B zone, they are also the reigning champions of the CAF African Schools Championship, according to the Daily Guide Network.
A tightly packed four-day event
The WAFU B Schools Championship is due to be held from 6 to 9 December 2026 in Ouagadougou, the dates initially planned for Nigeria. Four days of competition for a zonal phase organised by CAF.
For Burkina Faso, hosting this continental under-15 event follows Nigeria’s withdrawal.
The document does not specify the number of teams taking part or the format of the competition.