2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup: Future Eagles end first phase unbeaten

Nigeria’s Future Eagles concluded the first stage of the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday.

Pakistan took the lead in the 21st minute through Kaleemulah before Nigeria responded four minutes later, with captain Timothy Ijach finding the net in the 25th minute to restore parity.

Both teams searched for a winning goal, but neither could find a breakthrough as the encounter ended in a stalemate.

The result means Nigeria finished the first stage with seven points from five matches, recording one victory and four draws.

The Future Eagles began their campaign with draws against South Sudan, Jordan and The Gambia before securing their first win with a 2-1 comeback victory over Cyprus earlier on Monday.

However, they were unable to build on that success against Pakistan, settling for another draw in their final fixture of the opening stage.

Nigeria will now look ahead to the next phase of the tournament as they continue their campaign in Baku.