The exclusion of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets from the upcoming 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite the tournament’s expansion from 12 to 16 teams, has sparked significant debate and concern among football enthusiasts and stakeholders. Many  reasons have been against such decisions by CAF and  its broader implications for Nigerian football.

 

Agreed, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have long been a dominant force in youth football. With a record five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, their legacy is unparalleled. Historically, the team has been a beacon of talent development, producing players who have transitioned to illustrious professional careers both domestically and internationally.

 

But, the journey to the 2025 U-17 AFCON  involved regional qualifiers. Nigeria competes in the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B). In the  Championship held in Ghana, the Golden Eaglets secured a third-place finish. However, only the top two teams from this zone—Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast—earned automatic qualification spots for the U-17 AFCON. Consequently, Nigeria did not secure a direct berth through their regional performance.

 

In a bid to promote inclusivity and provide more teams with the opportunity to compete at the continental level, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced an expansion of the U-17 AFCON from 12 to 16 teams. This decision was anticipated to offer a lifeline to teams like Nigeria that narrowly missed out in their regional qualifiers.

 

However, the allocation of the additional slots did not favor the Golden Eaglets. CAF distributed the extra berths to other regional zones:

 

• WAFU Zone A: Gambia, who finished third in their qualifiers, received a slot.

• UNAF (North Africa): Tunisia was granted a spot.

• CECAFA (East and Central Africa) and COSAFA (Southern Africa): Each received additional slots.

 

Notably, WAFU Zone B, where Nigeria competes, did not receive an extra slot, leaving the Golden Eaglets without a pathway to the tournament. 

 

The U-17 AFCON serves as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. With Nigeria’s absence from the AFCON, the Golden Eaglets will also miss the opportunity to compete on the global stage in the upcoming World Cup. This marks a consecutive absence, as they also missed the previous edition by not finishing among the top four teams in the last U-17 AFCON in Algeria. 

 

Participating in major tournaments provide young players with invaluable experience, exposure, and the chance to showcase their talents to scouts and clubs worldwide. Missing out on the U-17 AFCON denies Nigerian youth players this critical development platform, potentially hindering their progression and the nation’s football pipeline.

 

Nigeria’s rich history in youth football means that their absence from such a pivotal tournament could raise questions about the current state of football development in the country. It may prompt introspection among stakeholders regarding talent identification, coaching, and administrative processes.

 

CAF’s allocation of additional slots appears to have been influenced by regional performances and the desire to promote football development across the continent. By awarding extra berths to regions like WAFU Zone A, UNAF, CECAFA, and COSAFA, CAF may be aiming to encourage growth in areas that have historically been underrepresented or less dominant in youth tournaments.

 

WAFU Zone B is traditionally strong in youth football, with countries like Nigeria and Ghana often performing well. CAF’s decision not to allocate an extra slot to this zone could be interpreted as an effort to balance representation and provide opportunities to emerging football nations. However, this approach has inadvertently sidelined a historically successful team.

 

To avoid future exclusions, Nigeria must focus on asserting dominance in regional qualifiers. This involves investing in grassroots development, enhancing scouting networks, and providing top-tier coaching to young talents to ensure they secure top positions in WAFU B tournaments.

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should actively engage with CAF to understand the criteria for slot allocations and advocate for considerations that reflect Nigeria’s historical contributions to youth football. Building strong relationships with continental governing bodies can provide insights and influence future decisions.

 

Beyond immediate tournament qualifications, there should be a renewed focus on long-term player development programs. Establishing academies, investing in coaching education, and creating competitive youth leagues can ensure a steady pipeline of talent ready to compete at the highest levels.

 

The exclusion of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets from the expanded 2025 U-17 AFCON is a significant setback for a nation with a proud history in youth football. While CAF’s decisions are influenced by a myriad of factors, this development underscores the need for Nigeria to reassess and reinvigorate its football development strategies. By focusing on grassroots investment, strategic engagement, and comprehensive development programs, Nigeria can aim to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of youth football in Africa and beyond.