Nigeria’s Flamingos will put their perfect record in the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup on the line when they face hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial Matchday 4 encounter in Yamoussoukro today, Thursday, September 24.

The highly anticipated fixture is scheduled for 7:00pm Nigerian time at the Lycée Scientifique in Yamoussoukro, with Nigeria looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition. 

The Flamingos have won all three of their matches so far, collecting nine points and scoring 11 goals while conceding only twice.

Nigeria began their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger before defeating arch-rivals Ghana 4-2 in a thrilling encounter. They then secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Monday to remain at the summit of the standings. 

Mary Dunstan has been among Nigeria’s standout performers, scoring in each of the last two matches. She opened the scoring against Burkina Faso in the 82nd minute before Oluwakemi Adegbuyi sealed the victory in stoppage time. 

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, sit second with six points from three matches. The hosts opened with a 3-2 win over Togo, lost 1-0 to Burkina Faso and bounced back spectacularly with a 9-0 demolition of Niger.

The Ivorians have scored 12 goals and conceded three, leaving them level with Nigeria on a +9 goal difference. However, Nigeria’s three victories give them the advantage at the top of the table. 

With the hosts enjoying home support and boasting an impressive attacking record, Flamingos head coach Hakeem Busari has warned his players against complacency.

Busari said Nigeria respects Côte d’Ivoire and expects a tactical contest, insisting that his side will focus on collective defending, character and taking their opportunities.

“We respect them and they will respect us. It’s going to be a very good game.” 

The Nigerian coach also expects his players to remain patient if the hosts adopt a defensive approach, while stressing the importance of moving the ball effectively and maintaining their team structure.

For the Flamingos, the encounter represents another important test ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The competitive nature of the WAFU-B tournament has already provided Busari’s young side with valuable match experience.

A victory would take Nigeria to 12 points from four matches and further strengthen their position at the top of the standings, while Côte d’Ivoire need a positive result to close the gap on the leaders.