Nigeria’s U17 national football team, the Golden Eaglets, has landed in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the highly anticipated WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament, where they will battle for regional supremacy and a spot in the continental championships.

 

The NFF Communications Department confirmed that the five-time world champions departed Nigeria on Wednesday to kickstart their campaign in this year’s sub-regional tournament, with all Group B matches scheduled to take place at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique — a natural-turf facility used during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Golden Eaglets wrapped up their preparation with a goalless draw against Mop Stars FC, concluding a rigorous training camp in Abuja. Over the course of their build-up, the team played 13 friendly matches, recording 10 wins, 2 draws, and only 1 loss — scoring 25 goals and conceding just 5.

 

“The technical team is satisfied with the progress and cohesion in the squad. The players are focused, disciplined, and ready to represent Nigeria with pride,” a team official noted.

The Eaglets are drawn in Group B and will begin their campaign against Benin Republic’s Baby Cheetahs on Wednesday, 24th September, before squaring off with Burkina Faso in their second group game.

 

Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Ghana, and Togo — setting the stage for a competitive tournament with only the top teams advancing.

 

Full Golden Eaglets Squad for WAFU-B U17 Tournament

 

🔒 Goalkeepers:

• Aquila Ahur (Mailantarki FC)

• Great Edafe (Beyond Limits)

• Paul Awelewa (Morak FC)

 

🛡️ Defenders:

• Abdullateef Lasisi (La Planet)

• Mubarak Rasheed (RFO FC)

• Sadiq Salihu (Niger Tornadoes)

• Godwin Menyaga (Adoration FC)

• Abdulsamad Salisu (Central FC)

• Emmanuel Asika (Mailantarki FC)

 

🎯 Midfielders:

• Paul Ugwu (RBM FC)

• Famous Umole (Derby FC)

• David Edeh (Adoration FC)

• Umar Yahaya (Footwork FC)

• Ahmed Yusuf (One-Touch FC)

 

⚡ Forwards:

• Wisdom Innocent (Wonderland FC)

• George Agha (Unique & Fine FC)

• Boluwatife Thompson (Breeders FC)

• Emeka Nnalue (Collins FC)

• Salim Umar (Dante FC)

• Auwal Muhammad (36 Lions)

Having dominated youth football globally with five FIFA U17 World Cup titles, the Golden Eaglets now set their sights on conquering West Africa, with qualification for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations also on the line.

 

Fans back home will be hoping for a strong showing from the new crop of talent, many of whom are making their international tournament debut.

 

All eyes now turn to Yamoussoukro as the future stars of Nigerian football prepare to shine on the regional stage.