Maxwell Konadu Confident Black Satellites Ready for Nigeria Showdown at WAFU B U-20 Championship
Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu says his team is fully prepared for Monday’s blockbuster Group B clash against defending champions Nigeria at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
Ghana will begin its campaign against the Flying Eagles at the Lycée Scientifique Stadium, with the encounter reigniting one of West Africa’s fiercest football rivalries.
The fixture also presents an opportunity for the Black Satellites to gain revenge after falling 2-1 to Nigeria in the final of the previous edition in Lomé, Togo.
Ahead of the highly anticipated contest, Konadu expressed satisfaction with his team’s preparations, insisting the players are eager to get the tournament underway.
“I think we’ve prepared enough. The boys are ready. We played a couple of friendly games before coming here and I think the boys are ready for the assignment,” he said.
The former Black Stars assistant coach revealed that Ghana suffered an injury setback before travelling to Côte d’Ivoire, with a key defensive midfielder ruled out of the tournament.
Despite the loss, Konadu remains confident in the quality and depth of his squad.
The experienced trainer dismissed suggestions that Nigeria hold an advantage because of their status as defending champions, stressing that Ghana possesses the quality to compete on equal terms.
“We are game ready. We pose the same threat to our Nigerian brothers. Matches between these two nations are always top-liners,” he added.
After facing Nigeria, the Black Satellites will continue their Group B campaign against Burkina Faso and Togo as they seek a place in the knockout stages.
The WAFU B U-20 Championship doubles as the qualification tournament for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a competition Ghana is set to host.
With qualification for the continental championship at stake, Konadu and his players will be aiming to make a strong start against their long-time rivals and lay the foundation for a successful campaign.
