Niger were crowned UFOA-B U17 champions after overcoming Cote d’Ivoire in a dramatic final at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The match finished 2-2 after normal time, before Niger prevailed 3-1 on penalties to claim the regional trophy.
Cote d’Ivoire made the stronger start and went into half-time ahead. Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan scored to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Niger responded after the break, recovering from their deficit and forcing a contest that remained level at the end of 90 minutes. With neither side able to find a decisive third goal, the final was settled from the penalty spot.
Niger handled the shoot-out more effectively, converting enough of their attempts to secure victory and lift the title in Ouagadougou.
The result ends Cote d’Ivoire’s reign as regional champions. The final was also a qualifying fixture for the CAN U17.
Final result: Cote d’Ivoire 2-2 Niger (Niger won 3-1 on penalties).
