Niger won the UFOA-B U17 tournament after beating defending champions Cote d’Ivoire on penalties in the final at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes before Niger prevailed 3-1 in the shootout to claim the regional trophy.
Cote d’Ivoire made the stronger start and took a 1-0 lead into half-time, with Yeboua Ruben Kouabenan scoring for the holders.
Niger responded after the interval to bring the final level and force a contest that could not be settled in normal time. The two teams remained locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation, sending the decisive match to penalties.
Niger proved more composed from the spot, converting three penalties while Cote d’Ivoire scored once. The result secured the title for Niger in a closely fought final and ended Cote d’Ivoire’s reign as champions.
The match was also a qualifying final for the CAN U17, with Niger completing their campaign by taking the regional crown in Ouagadougou.
Final result: Cote d’Ivoire 2-2 Niger (Niger win 3-1 on penalties).