Nigeria begins WAFU-B quest against dangerous Benin side

Nigeria’s male U17 national football team, the Golden Eaglets will kick off their journey at the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship with a crucial opening match against West African rivals Benin Republic on Wednesday in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.

The clash, scheduled to take place at the Stade du Lycee Scientifique, marks the beginning of Nigeria’s push to reclaim regional dominance at the youth level. With five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles to their name, the Golden Eaglets remain one of the most successful age-grade teams in world football, and the expectations on the young side are once again high.

Benin enter this encounter under pressure, having already lost their opening game 1-0 to Burkina Faso on Sunday. Anything short of a victory for the Squirrels could see them crash out of the tournament at the group stage. This desperation makes them dangerous opponents for Nigeria, who must be wary of a side fighting to stay alive in the competition.

For the Golden Eaglets, this tournament represents more than just regional bragging rights. The WAFU B U-17 Championship also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations. From there, the top-performing African nations will secure tickets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Head coach Manu Garba has been preparing his boys with intensive training sessions aimed at building cohesion, discipline, and sharp attacking play. Nigeria finished third at the last edition of the WAFU tournament, and the target this time is to go all the way by lifting the trophy.

Supporters back home will be looking forward to seeing the next generation of Nigerian stars emerge from this campaign. For the players, it is not only a chance to win silverware but also an opportunity to attract attention from top scouts across the continent and beyond.

The showdown against Benin promises to be a stern test, but one the Golden Eaglets are determined to overcome as they begin their quest for continental qualification and another shot at global glory.

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