Cote d’Ivoire will face Niger in the final of the UFOA-B qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 on Friday, 23 October 2026, with the trophy to be decided at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

The Elephanteaux are seeking to retain the title they won in Yamoussoukro in 2025. Although their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 is already secured, Cote d’Ivoire want to underline their status as defending champions by finishing the regional tournament with another trophy.

Coach Serge Bougouyou and goalkeeper Tah Behonao both expressed that ambition during the pre-match press conference. The Ivorian squad will now look to complete its campaign at the top of the podium.

Niger will arrive with the same objective after booking its place at the continental tournament with a semi-final victory over Burkina Faso on 20 October. Head coach Issa Mai Dikouma praised his players’ commitment and said he believed they had the ability to go on and win the competition.

“I would like to commend the achievement of these youngsters, who believed in themselves and brought joy to the people of Niger. The final will be a tight contest and our group has the qualities needed to achieve this objective,” he said.

Mai Dikouma has also had to manage limitations surrounding the availability of his squad. Several members of the group are 15 years old, while five players have left the selection to take part in the Under-15 World Cup.

Despite those absences, the Niger coach remains confident that his players can perform in the decisive match.

Midfielder Abdoul Fataou Habibou is also determined to create another significant moment for Niger’s football. The team’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 has already marked an important achievement, but he wants the campaign to end with the regional title.

“We would like to make history in Niger football once again after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. That is why we will go out to win this cup on Friday,” he said.

The final also offers a chance for both sides to settle the outcome of their earlier meeting. Their group-stage match ended in a 1-1 draw, but there can be no repeat of that result in the final: one team must lift the UFOA-B trophy.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16 h at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou. Cote d’Ivoire will be attempting to preserve its crown, while Niger will seek to complete its run with a first-place finish.