Golden Eaglets Crash Out of U-17 AFCON Qualifiers Despite Late Equaliser Against Ivory Coast
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been eliminated from the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Championship after drawing 1-1 with hosts Ivory Coast on Saturday. The result ends Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Ivory Coast took the lead in the 17th minute through Alex Bamba, leaving Nigeria trailing at half-time despite creating early scoring opportunities. The Golden Eaglets fought back after the break, with Columbus scoring in the 85th minute to restore parity, but Abiodun John missed a late chance to secure victory in the 89th minute.
The draw was insufficient to keep Nigeria in the competition, marking another disappointment for the five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions. Their elimination means they will miss both the 2027 U-17 AFCON and the World Cup qualification pathway tied to the continental tournament.
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