The hope of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets reaching the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and FIFA U-17 World Cup has been dashed.
In a fierce West African derby played in Yamoussoukro, the Nigerian youngsters fell 2-0 to arch-rivals Ghana, ending their campaign in disappointment.
The Black Starlets showed intent from the blast of the whistle and were rewarded with two first-half strikes. Micheal Awuli opened the scoring with a fine finish, before Yao Gavi doubled the advantage to put Ghana firmly in control.
Despite Nigeria’s attempts to fight back after the break, the Golden Eaglets failed to breach the Ghanaian defence.
Their profligacy in front of goal and lack of composure in the final third proved costly.
The defeat means Nigeria, five-time world champions at U-17 level, will miss out on the next continental showpiece, while Ghana advance with renewed confidence.
African representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup will pick their tickets at the CAF U-17 AFCON.
