“Nothing is decided yet,” says Ouzerou Abdoulaye ahead of Benin’s U20 women’s team’s match against Ivory Coast

The Beninese coach remains level-headed in the face of the challenge his team faces against the Ivorian side in the first leg of the final round of African qualifiers for the U20 Women’s World Cup.

Ouzerou Abdoulaye, manager of Benin’s U20 women’s team, appeared at a press conference on Friday 1 May. Speaking to the press, he was keen to reassure them about the state of his squad. But despite this calm demeanour, Ouzerou Abdoulaye insists on caution.

We’re in good shape, with no injuries. Nothing is decided yet; everything is still up for grabs. They’re not yet used to playing in packed stadiums, but they must stay focused and adapt.

Benin’s U20 women’s team is in Abidjan to face Côte d’Ivoire in the first leg of the fourth and final round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm GMT at Ebimpe.