Nigeria’s U17 Boys National Team, the Golden Eaglets, will depart the country on Wednesday for Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, to participate in the 2025 WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament.
The Eaglets wrapped up their camp preparations on Monday with a goalless draw against Mop Stars FC. In total, the team played 13 friendlies, recording 10 victories, two draws, and just one defeat. They scored 25 goals while conceding only five, a run that underlines their defensive solidity and attacking sharpness heading into the regional championship.
The five-time world champions will open their campaign against the Baby Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Wednesday, 24 September, before taking on Burkina Faso in their final Group B fixture. Hosts Côte d’Ivoire headline Group A alongside Niger Republic, Ghana, and Togo.
Renowned as the most successful side in youth football, the Golden Eaglets have lifted the FIFA U17 World Cup a record five times and finished as runners-up three times. On the continental stage, they have twice won the Africa U17 Cup of Nations, with their last triumph dating back to 2007.
Nigeria also boasts pedigree in the WAFU-B U17 Championship. In 2022, they powered to the title in Ghana, defeating Burkina Faso 2-1 in the final courtesy of a brace from Abubakar Abdullahi. Along the way, they swept aside Ghana, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire with impressive scorelines. Five players were named in the tournament’s Best XI, while coach Nduka Ugbade was honored as Coach of the Tournament.
For this year’s competition, the squad features three goalkeepers: Aquila Ahur (Mailantarki FC), Great Edafe (Beyond Limits), and Paul Awelewa (Morak FC). The defensive lineup includes Abdullateef Lasisi (La Planet), Mubarak Rasheed (RFO FC), Sadiq Salihu (Niger Tornadoes), Godwin Menyaga (Adoration FC), Abdulsamad Salisu (Central FC), and Emmanuel Asika (Mailantarki FC).
In midfield are Paul Ugwu (RBM FC), Famous Umole (Derby FC), David Edeh (Adoration FC), Umar Yahaya (Footwork FC), and Ahmed Yusuf (One-Touch FC). The forwards’ department boasts Wisdom Innocent (Wonderland FC), George Agha (Unique & Fine FC), Boluwatife Thompson (Breeders FC), Emeka Nnalue (Collins FC), Salim Umar (Dante FC), and Auwal Muhammad (36 Lions).
With their strong tradition and youthful hunger, the Golden Eaglets will be aiming to add another WAFU-B crown to Nigeria’s illustrious record in youth football.
