Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets must defeat Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, 17 October 2026, to reach the semi-finals of the WAFU-B U-17 Championship in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The team lost its opening Group B match 2-1 to Niger on Wednesday, 14 October, leaving Nigeria bottom of the group without a point. According to Premium Times, Niger secured a semi-final place with four points from two matches.
Niger Take Early Lead
Abdoul Razaq Zada gave Niger the lead in the 19th minute before Abdoul Rakilou doubled the advantage in the 86th minute.
Mubarak Fasiu scored for Nigeria five minutes into added time, but the Golden Eaglets could not find an equaliser.
Complete Sports reported that goalkeeper Mutiu Adedayo failed to deal with a cross before Niger’s opening goal.
Nigeria Need Three Points
Niger lead Group B with four points after drawing 1-1 with Côte d’Ivoire and beating Nigeria.
Côte d’Ivoire have one point, while Nigeria have none. Both teams have one match remaining.
A win on Saturday would give Nigeria three points and secure second place behind Niger. A draw or defeat would eliminate the Golden Eaglets from the competition.
Continental Qualification Hopes
The regional championship also serves as a qualifying route to the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
As ACLSports reported, victory against Côte d’Ivoire would keep Nigeria in contention for a place at the continental tournament.
However, reaching the WAFU-B semi-finals would not automatically mean Nigeria had qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.
For coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere and his players, Saturday’s match will determine whether their regional campaign continues.
