WAFU B Zone CAF African Schools Football Championship: Nigeria and Benin impress
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Nigeria and Benin made strong starts while hosts Togo and rivals Ghana faced difficulties on the opening day of the WAFU B African Schools Football Championship in Lome.
In the day's first game, Nigeria thrashed Togo 4-0 to issue an early statement of intent in the boys category of the U15 competition. Ghana and Benin then played out a 2-1 contest with the latter claiming victory.
Nigeria followed up their impressive start with a goalless draw against Cote d'Ivoire. The result leaves the Nigerians as early favourites with midfielder Wisdom Boniface drawing the attention of fans with his dexterity.
There were also wins on Thursday for Benin over Togo and then Ghana over Togo. The day's late match saw Ghana holding Cote d'Ivoire to a goalless draw.
The opening girls matches take place on Friday before the weekend's knockout semi-finals.
With only the top four boys and girls teams advancing, early momentum is vital for the five participating countries.
On the evidence of Thursday's action, Nigeria and Benin have signalled their threat but the competition remains extremely open.
The event forms part of the second edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship launched last year by President Patrice Motsepe.
Over 800,000 boys and girls from 44 African countries have participated from grassroots up to this continental zonal qualifying stage.
The tournament provides an international platform for the next generation while also delivering educational programs around reporting, medical, coaching, refereeing and safeguarding.
Following this WAFU B edition, upcoming zonal tournaments are planned for UNIFFAC, COSAFA, CECAFA and WAFU A ahead of April's finals.
