Two Nigerian Starlets Named Among Top Five Talents at WAFU Zone B U17 AFCON Qualifiers
The WAFU Zone B U17 African Cup of Nations qualifying tournament wrapped up on Saturday, with Côte d’Ivoire crowned champions after a hard-fought victory over Ghana in the final, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Both teams secured qualification for the 2025 U17 AFCON following their impressive runs in the competition.
After the tournament, Adama Guira, Head of Youth Football Development for WAFU Zone B and a former Burkina Faso international, unveiled his list of the Top Five Standout Players, spotlighting emerging talents expected to shape the future of African football.
Among the selected were two Nigerian youngsters, a testament to the Golden Eaglets’ continued tradition of nurturing elite football talent.
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Cheick Malo (Côte d’Ivoire): A commanding midfielder whose composure, tactical awareness, and distribution were key to Côte d’Ivoire’s success. His leadership and technical quality stood out throughout the tournament.
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Boluwatife Thompson (Nigeria): A thrilling winger blessed with pace and flair, Thompson repeatedly tormented defenders with his dribbling and creativity. His agility and attacking instinct mark him as one of Nigeria’s most promising wide players.
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David Edeh (Nigeria): The intelligent playmaker impressed with his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of matches. Edeh’s creativity made him the heartbeat of Nigeria’s midfield.
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Bema Doumbia (Côte d’Ivoire): Nicknamed the “Little Messi” of the competition, Doumbia netted three goals and wowed fans with his dazzling footwork, flair, and confident finishing.
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Kingsley Fosu Senior (Ghana): A lively full-back who combined solid defending with forward runs and accurate crosses. His consistency and tactical awareness were crucial for Ghana’s campaign.
The inclusion of Boluwatife Thompson and David Edeh underscores Nigeria’s enduring strength in youth development, reinforcing the Golden Eaglets’ reputation as a breeding ground for the continent’s next generation of football stars.

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