Another Heartbreak For Nigeria! Golden Eaglets Eliminated After 1-1 Draw With Ivory Coast

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been eliminated from the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Championship after playing out a 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the result ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, extending the country’s disappointing run in youth football competitions.

The five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions finished bottom of Group B with just one point from two matches, following their opening 2-1 defeat to Niger Republic.

Nigeria entered the encounter against Ivory Coast needing a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, the Ivorian side took the lead in the 16th minute through Alex Fousseni at the Stade du 4 Août.

Head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere’s team struggled to find an equaliser before Abiodun John restored parity in the 84th minute, giving the Eaglets a late lifeline.

Despite the late goal, Nigeria could not find a winner, leaving the team unable to secure the result required to remain in contention for qualification.

Niger Republic finished top of Group B with four points, while Ivory Coast claimed second place with two points. Both teams progressed to the next stage of the competition.

Nigeria’s elimination means the Golden Eaglets will miss the U-17 AFCON for the third consecutive edition, having failed to qualify for the 2025 and 2026 tournaments, both hosted by Morocco. Morocco is also scheduled to host the 2027 edition.

The latest setback also means Nigeria will miss the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the fourth consecutive time, raising further concerns about the country’s performance and development pathway at the youth level.

The early exit marks another disappointing chapter for a team that has historically enjoyed considerable success in international youth football, with supporters now facing renewed questions about the future of Nigeria’s U-17 programme.