NIG 2-1 NGA: Golden Eaglets Face Early Exit After Defeat to Niger in WAFU B U-17 Championship

Daily Post reported on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets suffered a 2–1 loss to Niger Republic in their first game at the WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The result has increased the pressure on head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere and his players, who must now prepare for a decisive Group B clash against Côte d’Ivoire to keep their semi-final qualification hopes alive.

Niger gained the advantage in the 19th minute when Abdoul Razaq Zada punished an error by Nigerian goalkeeper Mutiu Adedayo. Adedayo failed to collect a cross inside the penalty area, giving Zada the opportunity to finish and put his team ahead.

Following the opening goal, Nigeria found it difficult to get back into the game as Niger worked hard to maintain their lead and strengthen their position in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.

The situation became more challenging for the Golden Eaglets with just four minutes of normal time remaining, when Abdoul Rakilou found the net to double Niger’s advantage.

Rakilou’s strike put Niger firmly in control and left Nigeria struggling to avoid defeat in their first outing at the championship.

Nigeria eventually found the net through Mubarak Fasiu deep into stoppage time, reducing the deficit to 2–1. However, the goal arrived too late to change the outcome, leaving the five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winners without a point from their opening fixture.

The defeat is a setback for Uwejamomere’s team, who are competing for a place at the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Niger have qualified for the semi-finals after earning four points from their opening two matches. Their campaign began with a 1–1 draw against Côte d’Ivoire, meaning the Ivorians and Nigeria must now compete for the remaining semi-final place available in Group B.

Nigeria’s attention will now turn to their final group-stage encounter against Côte d’Ivoire, where they will need to deliver a strong performance and secure a favourable result to maintain their qualification hopes.

With the WAFU B U-17 Championship serving as a qualifying tournament for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, the Golden Eaglets face a crucial challenge as they attempt to avoid an early exit and secure a place in next year’s continental competition.

Messi2011 feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com