Ghana’s Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu says his team is fully motivated heading into their 2026 WAFU B U-20 qualifiers opener against Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.

The much anticipated encounter at the Lycee Scientifique Stadium in Yamoussoukro rekindles one of West African football’s fiercest rivalries, with Ghana eager to avenge their 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the final of the previous edition, played in Lome, Togo.

Speaking at Sunday’s pre-match press conference, as quoted by Ghana’s football association, Konadu said the fixture naturally raises the stakes for both sides given the history between the two nations, adding that the better team on the day will ultimately prevail.

He expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations, pointing to a series of friendly matches played before arriving in Cote d’Ivoire as evidence the team is ready for the assignment. Konadu also flagged Nigeria’s typically physical, aggressive approach as something his side has specifically prepared for, saying Ghana intends to counter it by controlling possession and staying composed under pressure.

He closed by acknowledging the scale of the challenge in facing the reigning champions, but said his team is determined to dethrone Nigeria and reclaim the regional title for Ghana.