The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has designated Nigerian diplomat Robert Akpenpuun as an Assistant General Coordinator for the 2026 WAFU-B U17 QAFCON. This tournament, which is part of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series for West Africa's Zone B, is scheduled to take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from October 10 to 23. Akpenpuun, based in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, received the appointment through an official letter dated September 30, 2026.
Akpenpuun's designation was confirmed by the UFOA-B Executive Director, Tchere M. A. Philippe. This appointment leverages Akpenpuun's extensive experience in football administration within Nigeria. He has previously served as a match commissioner in the Nigeria Premier League and as a protocol officer at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Additionally, he has worked as a football referee and league assessor, showcasing his versatility in the sports sector.
Currently, Akpenpuun is on a diplomatic assignment at the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, serving as an officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service. His new role as Assistant General Coordinator places him within the administrative framework of the regional competition, which involves member associations from the zone competing for a spot in the continental Under-17 finals. Akpenpuun expressed gratitude for the appointment, calling it a significant achievement.
The 2026 WAFU-B U17 QAFCON has already seen seven teams qualify and be divided into two groups. The host nation, Burkina Faso, is in Group A alongside Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo. In Group B are Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, Côte d'Ivoire, and Niger Republic. This competition is a critical pathway for teams to qualify for the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Akpenpuun's appointment comes at a time when Nigerian football is experiencing various developments. Recently, the Nigeria National League (NNL) congratulated Governor Zulum on El-Kanemi's achievement in the CAF Confederation Cup. Furthermore, Nigeria has launched its first CAF A-License course in nine years, indicating a renewed focus on football development.
The WAFU-B U17 QAFCON is a significant tournament for young footballers in West Africa, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and potentially secure a spot in the continental finals. With Akpenpuun on board, the tournament is expected to benefit from his administrative expertise and experience in football.
As the tournament approaches, football fans and stakeholders will be watching closely. The appointment of Robert Akpenpuun as Assistant General Coordinator is seen as a positive development, ensuring that the competition is well-organized and runs smoothly.
Key points
- Robert Akpenpuun, a Nigerian diplomat, has been appointed as Assistant General Coordinator for the 2026 WAFU-B U17 QAFCON.
- The tournament will take place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from October 10 to 23.
- Akpenpuun's experience in football administration and his current diplomatic role are expected to enhance the tournament's organization.
