Why Nigeria’s football chief believes Africa’s next football kings will come from WAFU B

The newly elected President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, says his primary focus will be on youth competitions, grassroots growth, and regional unity, Soccernet.ng reports.

Gusau, who also serves as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), succeeds a line of distinguished Nigerians including Dr Amos Adamu, who last held the role between 2008 and 2010.

The new WAFU B chief believes Nigeria must seize the moment to lead a footballing renaissance in West Africa. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are the reigning WAFU B U20 champions. 

“Our country, Nigeria, must make use of this opportunity that has come at this time. I believe that the last Nigerian to hold this position was Dr Amos Adamu, many years ago. It is important to make a positive impact with this fresh opportunity for the sake of our football and our country,” Gusau said.

He stressed the need to align with CAF’s vision of expanding regional competitions, especially at youth level, and nurturing future stars through sustained grassroots involvement.

“The focus will be on more competitions, especially at youth level, to align with CAF’s objectives. One of CAF’s main goals is to increase the number of competitions in our regions while encouraging grassroots participation,” he explained.

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Why Nigeria’s football chief believes Africa’s next football kings will come from WAFU B

WAFU Zone B, which comprises Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo and Benin, has long served as the heartbeat of youth football on the continent.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have lifted the FIFA U17 World Cup five times, while Ghana’s Black Starlets have triumphed thrice. Ghana’s Black Satellites also famously won the FIFA U20 World Cup in 1999.

“There is absolutely no doubt that despite the size of WAFU B… football resides here,” Gusau declared, pointing to the 2023 U20 AFCON, where four of the eight quarter-finalists hailed from the region.

Gusau also acknowledged the financial realities of expanding tournaments and promised a focused push toward funding.

“We will need to find the money for more competitions… By investing in young players, we will be strengthening the conveyor belt that will continue to produce talents for the West African, nay African game,” he said.

Looking ahead, he concluded:

“We must find a way to maintain and even raise the level of our performances in major competitions, in order to sustain our pride of place in the international game.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau is the 40th president of the Nigeria Football Federation.